Cutting tool

ABSTRACT

A cutting tool according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes a stationary handle and a movable handle pivotally attached thereto, a blade receiving gear mounted on the stationary handle, a blade removably mounted to the blade receiving gear, and a spring-loaded slide plate mounted to the blade receiving gear for holding the blade in the blade receiving gear. The blade seats within a notch of the blade receiving gear and the slide plate engages with a notch in the blade. The slide plate can be removed without the use of tools from engagement with the blade to allow user to easily remove the blade from the cutting tool.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a cutting tool configured to cut aworkpiece, such as conduit, pipe and tubing.

BACKGROUND

Prior art cutting tools are known for cutting rigid polyvinyl chlorideconduit and pipe and flexible plastic and rubber tubing. It is desirableto allow for the replacement of a blade of the cutting tool when theblade becomes worn. Prior art cutting tools have used fasteners toattach the blades to the cutting tool. When a blade becomes worn, thefasteners must be removed, usually with the use of tools, to remove theblade from the cutting tool.

SUMMARY

A cutting tool configured to cut workpieces, such as conduit, pipe andtubing according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes astationary handle and a movable handle pivotally attached thereto, ablade receiving gear mounted on the stationary handle, a blade removablymounted to the blade receiving gear, and a spring-loaded slide platemounted to the blade receiving gear for holding the blade in the bladereceiving gear. The blade seats within a notch of the blade receivinggear and the slide plate engages with a notch in the blade. The slideplate can be removed without the use of tools from engagement with theblade to allow user to easily remove the blade from the cutting tool.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some exampleembodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe disclosure. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the abovedescribed example embodiments are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the disclosure in any way.Other embodiments, aspects, and advantages of various disclosedembodiments will become apparent from the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, byway of example, the principles of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The organization and manner of the structure and operation of thedisclosed embodiments, together with further objects and advantagesthereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale, wherein like reference numeralsidentify like elements in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool;

FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of a tool;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the tool having a workpiece of afirst diameter seated therein;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the tool having a workpiece of asecond diameter seated therein;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tool;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an anvil of the tool;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the anvil;

FIG. 8 is a rear plan view of the anvil;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a first elongated member of astationary handle of the tool;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a second elongated member of thestationary handle of the tool;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a first elongated member of amovable handle of the tool;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a second elongated member of themovable handle of the tool;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a holding pawl of the tool;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the holding pawl;

FIG. 15 is a rear plan view of the holding pawl;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a driving pawl of the tool;

FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the driving pawl;

FIG. 18 is a rear plan view of the driving pawl;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a blade of the tool;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the blade;

FIG. 21A is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a blade receivinggear of the tool;

FIG. 21B is a partial side elevation view of an alternate embodiment ofa blade receiving gear of the tool;

FIG. 22 is a partial side elevation view of the tool with somecomponents removed so that internal structures can be seen;

FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of the tool with some componentsremoved so that internal structures can be seen, the tool being in apre-cut position;

FIG. 24 is a side elevation view of the tool with some componentsremoved so that internal structures can be seen, the tool during a cut;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the tool with some componentsremoved so that internal structures can be seen, the tool being in apost-cut position;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a release lever of the tool;

FIG. 27 is an alternate side elevation view of the tool with somecomponents removed so that internal structures can be seen, the toolbeing in a post-cut position;

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the tool with some componentsremoved so that internal structures can be seen, the tool being in apost-cut position;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of a lock wheel of the tool;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the lock wheel;

FIG. 31 is a side elevation view of the tool with some componentsremoved so that internal structures can be seen, the tool being in apartially unlocked position;

FIG. 32 is a side elevation view of the tool with some componentsremoved so that internal structures can be seen, the tool being in apartially unlocked position;

FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of a tool;

FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of a tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 having aworkpiece seated therein;

FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 37 is a rear perspective view of an anvil of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 38 is a side elevation view of the anvil of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a rear plan view of the anvil of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is a side elevation view of a first elongated member of astationary handle of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 41 is a side elevation view of a second elongated member of thestationary handle of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 42 is a side elevation view of a first elongated member of amovable handle of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of a second elongated member of themovable handle of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view of a holding pawl of the tool of FIG.33;

FIG. 45 is a side elevation view of the holding pawl of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a rear plan view of the holding pawl of FIG. 44;

FIG. 47 is a rear perspective view of a driving pawl of the tool of FIG.33;

FIG. 48 is a side elevation view of the driving pawl of FIG. 46;

FIG. 49 is a rear plan view of the driving pawl of FIG. 46;

FIG. 50 is a rear perspective view of a blade of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 51 is a side elevation view of the blade of FIG. 50;

FIG. 52 is a side elevation view of a plate of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 53 is a side elevation view of a blade receiving gear of the toolof FIG. 33;

FIGS. 54 is a partial side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 withsome components removed so that internal structures can be seen;

FIG. 55 is a partial side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 withsome components removed so that internal structures can be seen;

FIG. 56 is a partial side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 withsome components removed so that internal structures can be seen, thetool of FIG. 33 being in a pre-cut position;

FIG. 57 is a partial side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 withsome components removed so that internal structures can be seen, thetool of FIG. 33 being in a post-cut position;

FIG. 58 is a side elevation view of a portion of a release assembly ofthe tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 59 is a rear perspective view of the portion of the releaseassembly;

FIG. 60 is a front plan view of a release handle the portion of therelease assembly;

FIG. 61 is a side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 with somecomponents removed so that internal structures can be seen, the toolbeing in a pre-release condition;

FIG. 62 is a side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 with somecomponents removed so that internal structures can be seen, the toolbeing in a post-release condition;

FIG. 63 is a side elevation view of a lock wheel of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the lock wheel;

FIG. 65 is a side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 with somecomponents removed so that internal structures can be seen, the tool ofFIG. 33 being in a locked position;

FIG. 66 is an alternate side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 withsome components removed so that internal structures can be seen, thetool of FIG. 33 being in a locked position;

FIG. 67 is a partial enlarged side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33with some components removed so that internal structures can be seen,the tool of FIG. 33 being in a locked position;

FIG. 68 is a partial enlarged side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33with some components removed so that internal structures can be seen;

FIG. 69 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a blade storageassembly of the tool of FIG. 33;

FIG. 70 is a side elevation view of the portion of the blade storageassembly;

FIG. 71 is a rear perspective view of a lock member of the blade storageassembly;

FIG. 72 is a side elevation view of the lock member of the blade storageassembly; and

FIG. 73 is an end elevation view of the lock member of the blade storageassembly;

FIG. 74 is a partial side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 withsome components removed so that internal structures can be seen, thetool of FIG. 33 being in a closed position; and

FIG. 75 is a partial side elevation view of the tool of FIG. 33 withsome components removed so that internal structures can be seen, thetool of FIG. 33 being in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the disclosure may be susceptible to embodiment in differentforms, there is shown in the drawings, and herein will be described indetail, a specific embodiment with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles ofthe disclosure, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to that asillustrated and described herein. Therefore, unless otherwise noted,features disclosed herein may be combined together to form additionalcombinations that were not otherwise shown for purposes of brevity. Itwill be further appreciated that in some embodiments, one or moreelements illustrated by way of example in a drawing(s) may be eliminatedand/or substituted with alternative elements within the scope of thedisclosure.

Directional terms such as front, rear upper, lower, top, bottom etc. areused herein for ease of description and do not denote a requiredorientation in use.

A tool 10, 1010 is provided for engagement with a workpiece 12. In someembodiments, the tool 10, 1010 is a cutting tool and is configured tocut a workpiece 12. In some embodiments, the workpiece 12 may bepolyvinyl chloride (PVC) rigid plastic conduit and pipe used in plumbingand electrical applications. In some embodiments, the workpiece 12 maybe flexible plastic and rubber tubing used in plumbing and heating,ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) applications. Other workpieces12 may be engaged by the tool 10, 1010. FIGS. 1-32 illustrate a singlehanded, hand-held tool 10. FIGS. 33-73 illustrate a dual handed,hand-held tool 1010.

Attention is invited to the single handed, hand-held tool 10 shown inFIGS. 1-32. The tool 10 of some embodiments is designed to cut PVCconduit and pipe up to 1-¼ conduit size (1.62 in/32 mm OD),polyethylene, polybutylene. However, it will be appreciated that thetool 10 of various embodiments may additionally or alternatively be usedto cut other diameters of workpieces 12 and workpieces 12 made ofalternative materials. The tool 10 is designed to be held in a singlehand of the user for one-handed operation.

In an embodiment, the tool 10 includes a stationary handle 14 pivotallyattached to a movable handle 16, a release assembly 18, a blade 20pivotally attached to the stationary handle 14, and a blade receivingassembly 22.

The stationary handle 14 includes first and second jaws 24, 26, an anvil28 mounted between the jaws 24, 26, a first elongated member 30 mountedbetween the first jaw 24 and the anvil 28, a second elongated member 32mounted between the second jaw 26 and the anvil 28, and a grip 34attached to the first and second elongated members 30, 32. The jaws 24,26, the anvil 28 and the elongated members 30, 32 are fixedly attachedto each other.

As used herein, “fixedly attached” means that the components areattached to each other such that the components do not move relative toeach other.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first jaw 24 is formed of a plate 36 havingplanar side surfaces which are defined by a front edge, a rear edge, atop edge 36 a and a bottom edge. A cutout 38 is provided in the plate 36and extends downwardly from the top edge 36 a. In an embodiment, thefirst jaw 24 is generally square. The second jaw 26 is formed of a plate40 having planar side surfaces which are defined by a front edge, a rearedge, a top edge 40 a and a bottom edge. A cutout 42 is provided in thetop edge 40 a. In an embodiment, the second jaw 26 is generally square.The first and second jaws 24, 26 may be identically formed.

As shown in FIGS. 6-8, the anvil 28 is formed of a generally T-shapedmember having a base 44, an upper leg 46 extending upwardly from thebase 44, and a lower leg 48 extending downwardly from the base 44.

The base 44 has side surfaces and upper, lower, front and rear surfacesextending between the side surfaces. In an embodiment, the base 44 has arecess 50 which extends downwardly from the upper surface 44 a and fromthe front surface 44 b rearwardly and has a slot 52 which bifurcates thebase 44 and which extends from the rear surface 44 c forwardly to therecess 50. The recess 50 and the slot 52 are aligned with each other. Inan embodiment, the recess 50 is U-shaped. In an embodiment, the slot 52is eliminated and the recess 50 extends along the entire upper surface44 a of the anvil 28.

The upper leg 46 has side surfaces and upper, front and rear surfacesextending between the side surfaces. The upper leg 46 extends upwardlyfrom the front end of the base 44 and is generally perpendicular to thebase 44. In an embodiment, the upper leg 46 is curved. The upper leg 46is bifurcated by a slot 54 which extends from the upper surface 46 adownwardly to the recess 50 in the base 44. The recess 50 and the slots52, 54 are aligned with each other.

The upper surface 44 a of the base 44 and the rear surface 46 b of theupper leg 46 are generally perpendicular to each other and meet at acorner 56. The upper surface 44 a of the base 44, the rear surface 46 bof the upper leg 46, and the corner 56 define a receiving space 58 intowhich workpiece 12 is seated so that the workpiece 12 can be cut and asquare cut is obtained. In an embodiment, the corner 56 is radiused. Inan embodiment, the corner 56 is radiused at a radius of 0.540 inches sothat a workpiece 12 having a radius of 0.540 inches seats in the corner56, as shown in FIG. 4.

The lower leg 48 has side surfaces and upper, front and rear surfacesextending between the side surfaces. The lower leg 48 extends downwardlyfrom the front end of the base 44 and is generally perpendicular to thebase 44. In an embodiment, the lower leg 48 is curved.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first elongated member 30 has anelongated front portion 60, an elongated rear portion 62 and anintermediate portion 64. The front portion 60 has inner and outer planarsurfaces and front, top and bottom surfaces extending therebetween. Thefront surface 60 a of the front portion 60 forms a front end 30 a of thefirst elongated member 30. The rear portion 62 has inner and outerplanar surfaces and rear, top and bottom surfaces extendingtherebetween. The rear surface 62 a of the rear portion 62 forms a rearend 30 b of the first elongated member 30. The rear portion 62 extendsfrom the rear end of the front portion 60. The front and rear portions60, 62 are angled relative to each other. The intermediate portion 64has planar inner and outer surfaces and front, rear and top surfacesextending therebetween. The intermediate portion 64 extends upwardlyfrom the rear end of the front portion 60. The intermediate portion 64extends at an angle relative to the front portion 60 and relative to therear portion 62.

The second elongated member 32 has an elongated front portion 66, anelongated rear portion 68 and an intermediate portion 70. The frontportion 66 has inner and outer planar surfaces and front, top and bottomsurfaces extending therebetween. The front surface 66 a of the frontportion 66 forms a front end 32 a of the second elongated member 32. Therear portion 68 has inner and outer planar surfaces and rear, top andbottom surfaces extending therebetween. The rear surface 68 a of therear portion 68 forms a rear end 32 b of the second elongated member 32.The rear portion 68 extends from the rear end of the front portion 66.The front and rear portions 66, 68 are angled relative to each other.The intermediate portion 70 has planar inner and outer surfaces andfront, rear and top surfaces extending therebetween. The intermediateportion 70 extends upwardly from the rear end of the front portion 66.The intermediate portion 70 extends at an angle relative to the frontportion 66 and relative to the rear portion 68.

The anvil 28 seats between the jaws 24, 26 such that the cutouts 38, 42in the jaws 24, 26 align with the receiving space 58 formed by the anvil28. The jaws 24, 26 extend rearwardly of the anvil 28. The jaws 24, 26do not overlap the receiving space 58 such the workpiece 12 can beseated in the cutouts 38, 42 in the jaws 24, 26 and the receiving space58 formed by the anvil 28. In an embodiment, the recesses in the jaws24, 26 mirror the shape of the receiving space 58. The jaws 24, 26 arefixedly attached to the anvil 28 by suitable means, such as fasteners.

The front end 32 a of the first elongated member 32 is fixedly attachedto the jaw 24, and a rear section of the front portion 60 extendsrearwardly of the rear end of the base 44 of the anvil 28. The first jaw24 and the first elongated member 30 are fixedly attached to each otherby suitable means, such as fasteners. The intermediate portion 64 of thefirst elongated member 30 extends upwardly in the same direction as theupper leg 46 of the anvil 28. The intermediate portion 64 is spaced fromthe rear end 44 c of the base 44. The front end 32 a of the secondelongated member 32 is fixedly attached to the jaw 26, and a rearsection of the front portion 66 extends rearwardly of the rear end 44 cof the base 44 of the anvil 28. The second jaw 26 and the secondelongated member 32 are fixedly attached to each other by suitablemeans, such as fasteners. The intermediate portion 70 of the secondelongated member 32 extends upwardly in the same direction as the upperleg 46 of the anvil 28. The intermediate portion 70 is spaced from therear end 44 c of the base 44. The front portions 60, 66 of the elongatedmembers 30, 32 are fixedly attached to the anvil 28 by suitable means,such as fasteners. The front portions 60, 66 align with each other; therear portions 62, 68 align with each other; and the intermediateportions 64, 70 align with each other. In an embodiment, the elongatedmembers 30, 32 are integrally formed with the anvil 28. In anembodiment, the elongated members 30, 32, the anvil 28 and the jaws 24,26 are integrally formed. The grip 34 is attached to the rear portions62, 68 to provide a grasping region for a user to grasp during operationof the tool 10. While separate first and second elongated members 30, 32are shown and described herein, it is to be understood that the rearportions 62, 68 of the first and second elongated members 30, 32 can beintegrally formed with each other to form a single elongated member,with the front and intermediate portions 60, 66, 64, 70 separated fromeach other by a slot.

The movable handle 16 includes a first elongated member 72, a secondelongated member 74, a holding pawl assembly 76 mounted on the movablehandle 16, a driving pawl assembly 78 mounted on the movable handle 16,and a grip 80 attached to the first and second elongated members 72, 74.Directions of rotation of the movable handle 16 are described herein forease in description with respect to the tool 10 having its receivingspace 58 to the left as shown in FIGS. 1-4, 23-25, 27 and 31.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first elongated member 72 has anelongated front portion 82 and an elongated rear portion 84. The frontportion 82 has inner and outer planar surfaces and front, top and bottomsurfaces extending therebetween. The front surface 82 a of the frontportion 82 forms a front end 72 a of the first elongated member 72. Therear portion 84 has inner and outer planar surfaces and rear, top andbottom surfaces extending therebetween. The rear surface 84 a of therear portion 84 forms a rear end 72 b of the first elongated member 72.The rear portion 84 extends from the rear end of the front portion 82.The front portion 82 is offset from the rear portion 84 such that adogleg shape is formed by the first elongated member 72.

The second elongated member 74 has an elongated front portion 86 and anelongated rear portion 88. The front portion 86 has inner and outerplanar surfaces and front, top and bottom surfaces extendingtherebetween. The front surface 86 a of the front portion 86 forms afront end 74 a of the second elongated member 74. The rear portion 88has inner and outer planar surfaces and rear, top and bottom surfacesextending therebetween. The rear surface 88 a of the rear portion 88forms a rear end 74 b of the second elongated member 74. The rearportion 88 extends from the rear end of the front portion 86. The frontportion 86 is offset from the rear portion 88 such that a dogleg shapeis formed by the second elongated member 74.

The front end 72 a of the first elongated member 72 is pivotallyattached to the inner surface of the first jaw 24 at a bottom endthereof, and a rear section of the front portion 82 and the rear portion84 extends rearwardly of the first jaw 24. The front end 74 a of thesecond elongated member 74 is pivotally attached to the inner surface ofthe second jaw 26, and a rear section of the front portion 86 and therear portion 88 extends rearwardly of the second jaw 26. A pivot pin 90extends through the first jaw 24, the first elongated member 72, thesecond elongated member 74 and the second jaw 26 to pivotally attach thefirst and second elongated members 72, 74 to the jaws 24, 26. The frontportions 82, 86 align with each other; and the rear portions 84, 88align with each other. The grip 80 is attached to the rear portions 84,88 to provide a grasping region for a user to grasp during operation ofthe tool 10. While separate first and second elongated members 72, 74are shown and described herein, it is to be understood that the rearportions 84, 88 of the first and second elongated members 72, 74 can beintegrally formed with each other to form a single elongated member,with the front portions 82, 86 separated from each other by a slot.

The holding pawl assembly 76 has a holding pawl 92 pivotally mountedbetween the first and second elongated members 72, 74 of the movablehandle 16 by the pivot pin 90, and a holding pawl torsion spring 96.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the holding pawl 92 has a body 94 with a tooth95 extending from an upper end of the body 94. An aperture 98 isprovided through the body 94 proximate to the lower end thereof. Aportion of the body 94 is bifurcated by a slot 100 which extends from alower end of the body 94 upwardly. The slot 100 is formed of a firstside wall 100 a which extends upwardly from the lower end of the body94, a second side wall 100 b which extends upwardly from the lower endof the body 94, and a top wall 100 c connecting the upper ends of theside walls 100 a, 100 b. Each wall 100 a, 100 b, 100 c extends from afront end of the body 94 to a rear end of the body 94. In an embodiment,the top wall 100 c is angled from the front end to the rear end of thebody 94. The pivot pin 90 extends through the aperture 98.

The holding pawl torsion spring 96, see FIG. 5, seats within the slot100 and has a coiled portion 96 a wrapped around the pivot pin 90 andlegs 96 b, 96 c extending outwardly therefrom. The upper leg 96 bextends outwardly from the coiled portion 96 a and engages the top wall100 c of the holding pawl 92, and the lower leg 96 c extends outwardlyfrom the coiled portion 96 a and engages with the pin 104. The holdingpawl torsion spring 96 normally biases the holding pawl 92 in acounter-clockwise direction around the pivot pin 90.

The driving pawl assembly 78 has a driving pawl 102 mounted between thefirst and second elongated members 72, 74 of the movable handle 16 andpivotally attached to the first and second elongated members 72, 74 by adriving pawl pin 104, and a driving pawl torsion spring 106. The drivingpawl pin 104 is attached to the first and second elongated members 72,74 proximate to, but spaced rearwardly of, the pivot pin 90 such thatthe driving pawl 102 is mounted rearwardly of the holding pawl 92. Thedriving pawl 102 is longer than the holding pawl 92.

As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the driving pawl 102 has a body 108 with a hookend 110 extending from an upper end of the body 108. An aperture 112 isprovided through the body 108 proximate to the lower end of the body108. The driving pawl pin 104 extends through the aperture 112. Aportion of the body 108 is bifurcated by a slot 114 which extends from alower end of the body 108 upwardly. The slot 114 is formed of a firstside wall 114 a which extends upwardly from the lower end of the body108, a second side wall 114 b which extends upwardly from the lower endof the body 108, and a top wall 114 c connecting the upper ends of theside walls 114 a, 114 b. Each wall 114 a, 114 b, 114 c extends from afront end of the body 108 to a rear end of the body 108. In anembodiment, the top wall 114 c is angled from the front end to the rearend of the body 108.

The driving pawl torsion spring 106, see FIG. 5, seats within the slot114 and has a coiled portion 106 a wrapped around the driving pawl pin104 and legs 106 b, 106 c extending outwardly therefrom. The upper leg106 b extends outwardly from the coiled portion 106 a and engages thetop wall 114 c of the driving pawl 102, and the lower leg 106 c extendsoutwardly from the coiled portion 106 a and engages with the grip 80.The driving pawl torsion spring 106 normally biases the driving pawl 102in a counter-clockwise direction.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the blade 20 has a body 116 having acutting edge 118 provided at a front edge thereof, and a leg 120extending downwardly from the body 116. The cutting edge 118 is centeredon the front edge such that the body 116 is substantially symmetrical onboth sides of the cutting edge 118. The body 116 has a width which isgreater than a width of the leg 120. In an embodiment, the leg 120 hasan outer profile defined by a planar forward edge 120 a which extendsdownwardly from the body 116, a rearward edge 120 b which extendsdownwardly from the body 116, and a lower edge 120 c which extendsbetween the forward edge 120 a and the rearward edge 120 b. In anembodiment, the rearward edge 120 b has an upper planar section 122 awhich is parallel to the forward edge 120 a, and a lower generallyV-shaped notched section 122 b which extends from the upper section 122a to the lower edge 120 c. The notched section 122 b has an upper wall124 a which joins with a lower wall 124 b to form the generally V-shape.In an embodiment, the lower edge 120 c has a front section 126 a whichis perpendicular to the forward edge 120 a and a rear section 126 bwhich extends upwardly at an angle from the front section 126 a to therearward edge 120 b.

The blade receiving assembly 22, see FIGS. 5, 21A and 21B, includes ablade receiving gear 128 into which the blade 20 is inserted, a slideplate 130, a spring 132, and first and second plates 134, 136. The blade20 can be released from the blade receiving gear 128 for replacementwith a new blade. The blade receiving gear 128 is fixedly attachedbetween the first and second plates 134, 136. The blade receiving gear128/first plate 134/second plate 136 are pivotally mounted between theelongated members 30, 32 of the stationary handle 14 by a pivot pin 138.The slide plate 130 and the spring 132 are mounted on the bladereceiving gear 128. In some embodiments, the spring 132 is a leafspring. In some embodiments, the spring 132 is a coiled spring. In someembodiments, the spring 132 is a rubber block.

The first plate 134 has planar inner and outer surfaces which aredefined by front, rear, top and bottom surfaces. A through hole 137, seeFIG. 5, is provided through the first plate 134 proximate to the cornerbetween the upper edge and the front edge, and the pivot pin 138 extendstherethrough. The second plate 136 has planar inner and outer surfaceswhich are defined by front, rear, top and bottom surfaces. A throughhole 139 is provided through the second plate 136 proximate to thecorner between the upper edge and the front edge, and the pivot pin 138extends therethrough.

Embodiments of the blade receiving gear 128 are shown in FIGS. 21A and21B. The blade receiving gear 128 is formed of a body 140 having planarinner and outer surfaces which are defined by top and bottom surfaces142, 144. An aperture 145 is provided through the body 140 and is spacedfrom the front and rear ends of the blade receiving gear 128 and thepivot pin 138 extends therethrough. A notch 146 extends downwardly fromthe top surface 142 rearwardly of the aperture 145. The bottom surface144 is curved and has a plurality of teeth 148 a-148 p thereon. More orfewer teeth than what is shown in the drawings may be provided. A firsttooth is denoted at 148 a and is at the rearmost end of the teeth 148a-148 p. A second tooth is denoted at 148 b; the teeth 148 c-148 pcontinue to the last tooth 148 p (in the embodiment as shown in thedrawings) at the front of the teeth 148 a-148 p. A leading surface ofeach tooth 148 a-148 p is denoted at 150, a trailing surface of eachtooth 148 a-148 p is denoted at 152, and a top land of each tooth 148a-148 p is denoted at 154. A space 155 is defined between adjacent pairsof teeth 148 a-148 p. In some embodiments and as shown in the drawings,the first tooth 148 a does not have a leading surface. In an embodiment,the bottom surface 144 has a front portion 157 which is smooth. Eachtooth 148 a-148 o is defined by a radius 159 a-159 o which extends fromthe center 161 of the aperture 145 through which the pivot pin 138extends to the center 163 of the space 155 between the adjacent teeth148 a-148 p. Tooth 148 p is defined by a radius 159 p which extends fromthe center 161 of the aperture 145 through which the pivot pin 138extends to the center of a space 163 trailing the tooth 148 p which hasa length equivalent to the length of the space 155 between teeth 148 oand 148 p.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 21A, the teeth 148 a-148 p have avariable radius 159 a-159 p, with the teeth 148 a-148 i having the sameradius 159 a-159 i and the teeth 148 j-149 p having a radius 159 j-159 pwhich decreases as the teeth 148 j-149 p progress forwardly toward thefront of the blade receiving gear 128. In some embodiments, theforwardmost teeth 148 n-148 p have the same radius 159 n-159 p. As anexample, the teeth 148 a-148 i have a radius 159 a-159 i of 1.438inches, tooth 149 j has a radius 159 j of 1.406 inches, tooth 149 k hasa radius 159 k of 1.375 inches, tooth 149 l has a radius 159 l of 1.344inches, tooth 149 m has a radius 159 m of 1.313 inches, tooth 149 n hasa radius 159 n of 1.281 inches, teeth 148 n-148 p have a radius 159n-159 p of 1.281 inches. In some embodiments, the teeth 148 a-148 i havethe same shape as each other; the teeth 148 j-148 m having varyingshapes, and teeth 148 n-148 p have the same shape as each other. In someembodiments, teeth 148 j-148 m have top lands 154 which are longer thanthe top lands 154 of teeth 148 a-148 i and 148 n-148 p. In someembodiments, teeth 148 j-148 m have top lands 154 which are linear andlonger than the top lands 154 of teeth 148 a-148 i and 148 n-148 p whichare curved.

In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 21B, the teeth 148 a-148 p aredefined by the same radius 159 a-159 p and the teeth 148 a-148 p havethe same shape. In some embodiments, teeth 148 a-148 p have top lands154 which are curved.

The notch 146 has first, second and third sections 156, 158, 160. Thefirst section 156 extends downwardly from the top surface 142 of thebody 140 and mirrors the shape of the leg 120 of the blade 20 with theexception of the notched section 122 b. The second section 158 extendsfrom the first section 156 rearwardly. The second section 158 has afirst upper wall section 162 a which extends perpendicularly from a rearwall 156 a of the first section 156, a second upper wall section 162 bwhich extends from the rear end of the first upper wall section 162 aand at an angle relative to the first upper wall section 162 a, and athird upper wall section 162 c which extends from the rear end of thesecond upper wall section 162 b, at an angle relative to the secondupper wall section 162 b and parallel to the first upper wall section162 a. The second section 158 has a lower wall 164 which extendsperpendicularly from the rear wall 156 a of the first section 156proximate to the lower edge of the first section 156. The third section160 extends from the rear end of the second section 158. The thirdsection 160 has an upper section 166 a which extends upwardly from therear end of the second section 158 and a lower section 166 b whichextends downwardly from the rear end of the second section 158.

The slide plate 130, see FIG. 22, is generally mounted within the secondsection 158 of the notch 146. The slide plate 130 has a front portion168 and a rear portion 170; the front portion 168 having a height whichis less than a height of the rear portion 170 such that a shoulder 172is provided between the portions 168, 170. A front end 168 a of thefront portion 168 has a profile which mirrors or generally mirrors theprofile of the notched section 122 b of the blade 20. As shown, thefront end 168 a of the front portion 168 has an upper wall 174 whichjoins with a lower wall 176 at a tip 178.

The spring 132 seats within the third section 160 of the notch 146. Whenthe blade 50 is inserted into the notch 146, the spring 132 is expandedor substantially expanded. The third section 160 of the notch 146 has aheight which is greater than the length of the spring 132 when thespring 132 is compressed.

In use, the leg 120 of the blade 20 seats within the first section 156of the notch 146 and the notched section 122 b aligns with the secondsection 158. The leg 120 is also captured between the first and secondplates 134, 136. The front end 168 a of the slide plate 130 seats withinthe notched section 122 b of the blade 20. A rear end 170 a of the rearportion 170 of the slide plate 130 engages with the spring 132. When theblade 20 is seated within the notch 146 of the blade receiving gear 128,the spring 132 is in its expanded or substantially expanded condition.As a result, the blade 20 is securely held within the blade receivinggear 128.

In a pre-cut position as shown in FIG. 23, where a cut of the workpiece12 has not yet been started, the cutting edge 118 of the blade 20 isbetween the intermediate portions 64, 70 of the elongated members 30, 32and a portion 180 of the body 116 of the blade 20 is rearwardly of theintermediate portions 64, 70 of the elongated members 30, 32. The blade20 can be removed from the blade receiving gear 128 without the use oftools. To remove the blade 20, a user grasps the portion 180 of the body116 of the blade 20 and pulls the blade 20 outwardly from the bladereceiving gear 128. When this outward force is applied to the blade 20,the blade 20 moves outwardly from the blade receiving gear 128 andcauses the slide plate 130 to move rearwardly and engage against thespring 132 as the lower angled wall 124 b of the notched section 122 bslides relative to the lower angled wall 176 of the slide plate 130. Thespring 132 compresses and the rear end 170 a of the slide plate 130moves further into the third section 160 of the notch 146 such that theupper angled wall 174 of the slide plate 130 is the only portion of theslide plate 130 that engages with the rear section 126 b of the loweredge 120 c of the blade 20. Once the blade 20 is completely removed fromthe blade receiving gear 128, the spring 132 resumes its expandedcondition, which causes the slide plate 130 to move forwardly in thesecond section 158. As the slide plate 130 moves forwardly, the shoulder172 engages the second upper wall section 162 b of the second section158 to prevent the further movement of the slide plate 130 relative tothe blade receiving gear 128.

The blade 20 can be inserted into the blade receiving gear 128 withouttools and with one hand of the user. The user grasps the portion 180 ofthe body 116 of the blade 20 and pushes the leg 120 of the blade 20downwardly into the first section 156 of the notch 146. As the blade 20moves downwardly, the angled rear section 126 b of the lower edge 120 cof the blade 20 engages with the upper angled wall 174 of the slideplate 130 which causes the slide plate 130 to move rearwardly and engageagainst the spring 132. The spring 132 compresses and the rear end 170 aof the slide plate 130 moves further into the third section 160 of thenotch 146. After the angled rear section 126 b of the blade 20 passesthe slide plate 130, the spring 132 resumes its expanded condition,which causes the slide plate 130 to move forwardly in the second section158 until the front end 168 a of the slide plate 130 seat within thenotched section 122 b of the blade 20. As the slide plate 130 movesforwardly, the shoulder 172 engages the second upper wall section 162 bof the second section 158 to prevent the further forward movement of theslide plate 130 relative to the blade receiving gear 128.

The blade receiving gear 128 seats between the first and second plates134, 136 and are affixed together by suitable means, such as fasteners.The first plate 134 seats between the first jaw 24 and the bladereceiving gear 128. The second plate 136 seats between the second jaw 26and the blade receiving gear 128. The pivot pin 138 extends through thefirst jaw 24, the first elongated member 30 of the stationary handle 14,the first plate 134, the blade receiving gear 128, the second plate 136,the second elongated member 32 of the stationary handle 14, and thesecond jaw 26. The blade receiving gear 128 and the first and secondplates 134, 136 can pivot relative to the first and second jaws 24, 26.

In the pre-cut position as shown in FIG. 23, where a cut of theworkpiece 12 has not yet been started, the cutting edge 118 of the blade20 is between the intermediate portions 64, 70 of the elongated members30, 32 such that the cutting edge 118 is not easily accessible by auser. In the pre-cut position, the tooth 95 of the holding pawl 92engages the trailing surface 152 of tooth 148 d and the hook end 110 ofthe driving pawl 102 engages with the leading surface 150 of tooth 148b. The workpiece 12 is inserted into the receiving space 58. The tooth95 of the holding pawl 92 is wider than the blade receiving gear 128such that the tooth 95 extends outwardly from the blade receiving gear128.

To operate the tool 10, the user grasps the tool 10 in one hand. Thepalm of the user engages the grip 34 of the stationary handle 14 and thefingers of the user engage the grip 80 of the movable handle 16. Themovable handle 16 is pivoted around pivot pin 90 to move the rearportions 84, 88 of the movable handle 16 toward the rear portions 62, 68of the stationary handle 14. This causes the movement of the holdingpawl 92 and the driving pawl 102 which are mounted on the movable handle16 toward the blade receiving gear 128 to move the blade receiving gear128 in a ratcheting manner from an open position wherein the rearportions 84, 88 of the movable handle 16 are spaced from the rearportions 62, 68 of the stationary handle 14 to a closed position whereinthe rear portions 84, 88 of the movable handle 16 are proximate to therear portions 62, 68 of the stationary handle 14. The driving pawl 102is biased in the counter-clockwise direction under the force of itstorsion spring 106 and pushes against the trailing surface 152 of thetooth 148 a as the movable handle 16 moves toward the stationary handle14. This causes the blade receiving gear 128 to rotate in thecounter-clockwise direction, thereby rotating the blade 20 in thecounter-clockwise direction and into the receiving space 58.

When the blade receiving gear 128 rotates, the holding pawl 92 engageswith the leading surface 150 of the next tooth 148e and moves along theleading surface 150 of tooth 148 e. The biasing force from the torsionspring 96 biasing the holding pawl 92 in the counter-clockwise directionis overcome and the holding pawl 92 pivots in the clockwise direction topass over the top land 154 of tooth 148 e and thereafter engage theleading surface 150 of tooth 148 f as the blade receiving gear 128rotates in the counter-clockwise direction. The pressure on the movablehandle 16 is thereafter released, and the holding pawl 92 rotatescounter-clockwise under the force of its torsion spring 96. When thepressure on the movable handle 16 is released, the driving pawl 102rides along the leading surface 150 of tooth 148 b and the biasing forcefrom the torsion spring 106 biasing the driving pawl 102 in thecounter-clockwise direction is overcome and the driving pawl 102 pivotsin the clockwise direction to pass over the top land 154 of tooth 148 band thereafter engage the trailing surface 152 of tooth 148 b. Thisratcheting action is repeated until the workpiece 12 is completely cut.FIG. 24 shows the positions of the holding pawl 92 and the driving pawl102 at the start of the final movement of the movable handle 16 tocomplete the cut; the holding pawl 92 is engaged with the leadingsurface 150 of the last tooth 148 p and the driving pawl 102 is engagedwith the trailing surface 152 of tooth 148 n. In its post-cut positionas shown in FIGS. 25, 27 and 28, the holding pawl 92 is engaged with thefront portion 157 (if provided) of the bottom surface 144 and thedriving pawl 102 is engaged with the trailing surface 152 of tooth 148m, and the cutting edge 118 of the blade 20 is parallel to the uppersurface 44 a of the base 44 of the anvil 28 and the blade 20 seatswithin the slot 54 within the upper leg 46 and in the recess 50 in thebase 44 of the anvil 28. In an embodiment, the holding pawl 92 engagesanother tooth in the post-cut position. The engagement of the blade 20with the wall forming the recess 50 prevents the further movement of theblade 20 in the counter-clockwise direction.

When the blade receiving gear 128 of FIG. 21A is used in the tool 10,this results a mechanical advantage during the cut of the workpiece 12.By varying the radius 159 a-159 p of the teeth 148 a-148 p of the bladereceiving gear 128, the effective gear ratio between the teeth 148 a-148p and the driving pawl 102 is varied, which varies the mechanicaladvantage between the teeth 148 a-148 p and the driving pawl 102. Sincethe teeth 148 a-148 i have a larger radius 159 a-159 i at the beginningof the cut which are engaged by the driving pawl 102, the torquegenerated is greater. This is desirable as the greatest amount ofworkpiece material is being cut at the beginning of the cut. Once theinitial cut through the wall of the workpiece 12 is completed, lesstorque is required so the radius 159 j-159 p decreases as the teeth 148j-149 p progress forwardly toward the front of the blade receiving gear128 and as the driving pawl 102 engages with the teeth 148 j-149 p. Thisenables the tool 10 to cut the workpiece 12 faster than the cut beingmade through the initial cut through the wall of the workpiece 12.

When the handles 14, 16 are in the open position, the spread of thehandles 14, 16 is smaller than prior art one-handed tools, which allowsfor a more ergonomic one-handed use of tool 10 rather than requiringusers with small (or even large hands) to initially use two hands toreduce the handle spread when initially closing the tool 10 around theworkpiece 12 to be cut.

The blade 20 can be released from the blade receiving assembly 22without tools and with one hand of the user when the blade receivingassembly 22 is partially rotated relative to the elongated members 30,32, and a new blade inserted into the blade receiving assembly 22 whenthe blade receiving assembly 22 is partially rotated relative to thestationary handle 14.

The blade 20 can be released from its post-cut position shown in FIGS.25, 27 and 28 by the release assembly 18. The release assembly 18includes a release lever 182, a torsion spring holding plate 184, arelease lever stop 186, an elongated slot 188 through the front portion60 of the first elongated member 30, a slot 190 through the first plate134, and a blade torsion spring 192.

The release lever 182, see FIG. 26, has an elongated body 194 having anupper end 194 a and a lower end 194, and a tab 196. The tab 196 extendsoutwardly from the upper end 194 a of the body 194. An aperture 198 isprovided through the lower end 194 b of the body 194 and the pivot pin90 extends through the aperture 198 such that the release lever 182 isrotatably attached to the movable handle 16. The release lever 182 isprovided between the second jaw 26 and the elongated member 72. Aprotrusion 200 extends from the body 194 at a position which is spacedfrom the lower end 194 b of the body 194.

The torsion spring holding plate 184 has planar inner and outersurfaces. A through hole 202, see FIG. 5, is provided through thetorsion spring holding plate 184, and an elongated slot 204 is providedtherethrough and extends rearwardly from the through hole 202. In anembodiment, the torsion spring holding plate 184 is generallyrectangular. In an embodiment, the elongated slot 204 is angled relativeto a planar top surface of the torsion spring holding plate 184. Thetorsion spring holding plate 184 is mounted between the intermediateportion 64 of the first elongated member 30 and the first jaw 24. Thethrough hole 202 and the slot 204 in the torsion spring holding plate184 align with the slot 188 in the first elongated member 30. Thetorsion spring holding plate 184 does not overlap the receiving space 58formed by the anvil 28. The first jaw 24, the torsion spring holdingplate 184 and the first elongated member 30 are fixedly attached to eachother by suitable means, such as fasteners. The torsion spring holdingplate 184 and the first elongated member 30 may be integrally formed.The first jaw 24, the torsion spring holding plate 184 and the firstelongated member 30 may be integrally formed.

The release lever stop 186, see FIG. 27, is mounted on the pivot pin 138between the intermediate portion 70 of the second elongated member 32and the second jaw 26. In an embodiment, the release lever stop 186 hasa circular outer perimeter. The release lever stop 186 does not overlapthe receiving space 58 formed by the anvil 28. In an embodiment, therelease lever stop 186 is rotatable relative to the second elongatedmember 32/second jaw 26. The release lever stop 186 and the secondelongated member 32 or the second jaw 26 may be integrally formed. Thesecond jaw 26, the release lever stop 186 and the second elongatedmember 32 may be integrally formed.

In some embodiments, the pivot pin 138 extends through the first jaw 24,the through hole 202 in the torsion spring holding plate 184, the slot188 in the first elongated member 30 of the stationary handle 14, thethrough hole 137 in the first plate 134, the aperture 145 in the bladereceiving gear 128, the through hole 139 in the second plate 136, anaperture 206 in the second elongated member 32 of the stationary handle14, the release lever stop 186, and the second jaw 26. In somealternative embodiments, the pivot pin 138 does not extend through therelease lever stop 186 and the release lever stop 186 is mountedproximate to the apertures 137, 206.

The blade torsion spring 192, see FIG. 5, has a coiled portion 192awrapped around the pivot pin 138 and legs 192 b, 192 c extendingoutwardly therefrom. A first leg 192 b is seated within the slot 204 inthe torsion spring holding plate 184 and a second leg 192 c is seatedwithin the slot 190 in the first plate 134. The blade torsion spring 192biases the blade 20 in a clockwise direction and out of the receivingspace 58.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28 which show the post-cut position,to operate the release assembly 18, a user engages the tab 196 androtates the release lever 182 in the clockwise direction. Upon rotation,the protrusion 200 of the release lever 182 engages against the tooth 95of the holding pawl 92 and rotates the holding pawl 92 in the clockwisedirection against the force of its torsion spring 96 such that the tooth95 of the holding pawl 92 disengages from the blade receiving gear 128.As the holding pawl 92 rotates in the clockwise direction under thecontinued movement of the release lever 182 by the user, the tooth 95 ofthe holding pawl 92 engages with the body 108 of the driving pawl 102and causes the driving pawl 102 to rotate in the clockwise directionagainst the force of its torsion spring 106 such that the hook end 110of the driving pawl 102 disengages from the blade receiving gear 128.

When both the holding pawl 92 and the driving pawl 102 are released fromengagement with the blade receiving gear 128, the blade torsion spring192 causes the blade 20 and the blade receiving assembly 22 to rotate inthe clockwise direction until the cutting edge 118 is between theintermediate sections 64, 70 of the elongated members 30, 32 of thestationary handle 14. Thereafter, the release lever 182 released by theuser and the holding pawl 92 and the driving pawl 102 rotate in thecounter-clockwise direction under the force of their torsion springs 96,106 to reengage with the blade receiving gear 128. Rotation of theholding pawl 92 in the counter-clockwise direction causes rotation ofthe release lever 182 in the counter-clockwise direction since the tooth95 of the holding pawl 92 is in engagement with the protrusion 200 ofthe release lever 182. Rotation of the release lever 182 in thecounter-clockwise direction is stopped when the release lever 182engages with the release lever stop 186. Thereafter, a new cutting cyclecan be effected.

Having both pawls 92, 102 mounted on the movable handle 16 makes therelease more reliable and simpler, and with a consistent feel, becausethe stack-up of tolerances which is created when one pawl is on themovable handle and the other pawl is on the stationary handle as is donein the prior art is eliminated.

The release assembly 18 can be used to release the blade 20 after apartial cut of the workpiece 12 has been effected, if desired.

In some embodiments, a handle lock assembly 208, see FIGS. 29-32, isprovided to lock the tool 10 into a locked condition when in the closedposition such that the movable handle 16 cannot move relative to thestationary handle 14. This makes the tool 10 more compact for stowage.The handle lock assembly 208 works in conjunction with the driving pawl102 to lock the tool 10 into the locked condition. The handle lockassembly 208 includes a lock shoulder 210 provided on the bottom surface144 of the blade receiving gear 128, see FIG. 11, a surface 212 providedon the front portion 82 of the first elongated member 72 of the movablehandle 14, and a lock wheel 216 rotatably mounted between the jaws 24,26 at a lower end of the jaws 24, 26. In an embodiment, the surface 212is angled. The lock wheel 216 and the movable handle 16 are configuredto engage with each other to prevent movement of the movable handle 16relative to the stationary handle 14.

In an embodiment, the lock shoulder 210 on the blade receiving gear 128is formed from a first planar section 218 extending from the first tooth148 a and a second planar section 220 extending from a rear end of thefirst planar section 218 and which is perpendicular to the first planarsection 218 such that a corner is formed. The first planar section 218is parallel to the top surface 142 of the blade receiving gear 128.Alternatively, the lock shoulder 210 can be formed by another tooth likethose shown as teeth 148 a-148 p. In some embodiments, a curved section222 extends from the rear end of the second planar section 220 to thetop surface 142.

The surface 212 is provided on the front portion 82 of the firstelongated member 72 proximate to the front end 72 a. The surface 212faces the bottom surface of the first elongated member 30 of thestationary handle 14.

The lock wheel 216 includes a body 224 and a locking ear 226 extendingfrom a side of the body 224. In some embodiments, the body 224 iscylindrical. In some embodiments, the body 224 has a knurled outersurface 228. The locking ear 226 has opposite side walls 226 a, 226 b, afirst end wall 226 c extending between the side walls 226 a, 226 b atone end thereof, and a second end wall 226 d extending between the sidewalls 226 a, 226 b at the other end thereof. The first end wall 226 c iscurved. A hole 230 extends through the lock wheel 216 and the lockingear 226 and a pivot pin 123 l extends through the hole 230 to rotatablyconnect the lock wheel 216 to the first and second jaws 24, 26. Thefirst end wall 226 c aligns with the outer diameter of the lock wheel216. In some embodiments, the first end wall 226 c extends outwardlyfrom the outer diameter of the lock wheel 216. The second end wall 226 dis proximate to the hole 231 and is spaced inwardly from the outerdiameter of the lock wheel 216.

In the locked position, the rear ends 30 b, 32 b of the stationaryhandle 14 and the rear ends 72 b, 74 b of the movable handle 16 areproximate to each other. The hook end 110 of the driving pawl 102 isengaged with the lock shoulder 210 on the blade receiving gear 128 andthe tooth 95 on the holding pawl 92 is engaged with the top land 154 oftooth 148 d. The first end wall 226 c of the lock wheel 216 is engagedwith the surface 212 of the front portion 82 of the elongated member 72of the movable handle 16. Since lock wheel 216 is engaged with themovable handle 16 and the pawls 92, 102 bias the movable handle 16 awayfrom the stationary handle 14, the handles 14, 16 are locked intoposition.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show the handle lock assembly 208 in a partiallyunlocked position. To move the tool 10 from the locked position to thepre-cut position as shown in FIG. 23, the movable handle 16 is pivotedaround pivot pin 90 to move the rear ends 72 b, 74 b of the movablehandle 16 toward the rear ends 30 b, 32 b of the stationary handle 14.This causes the first end wall 226 c to separate from the surface 212 ofthe movable handle 16 as shown in FIG. 32, thereby allowing a user torotate the lock wheel 216. The lock wheel 216 is rotated to disengagethe first end wall 226 c from the surface 212. In some embodiments, thelock wheel 216 is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. In someembodiments, the lock wheel 216 is rotated in the clockwise direction.As the movable handle 16 is released, the holding pawl 92 moves alongthe trailing surface 152 of tooth 148 d which causes the hook end 110 ofthe driving pawl 102 to move over the lock shoulder 210 of the bladereceiving gear 128 and move to the pre-cut position as shown in FIG. 23.Thereafter, the workpiece 12 is inserted into the receiving space 58 andthe cut is performed.

To move the tool 10 from the pre-cut position shown in FIG. 23 to thelocked position, the lock wheel 216 is rotated in the oppositedirection. As the lock wheel 216 is rotated, the first end wall 226 cengages with the surface 212 of the movable handle 16. As the movablehandle 16 pivots, the pawls 92, 102 are biased in the clockwisedirection until they move into the locked position.

In some embodiments, a locking projection stop 232, see FIG. 32, isprovided on the first elongated member 30 of the stationary handle 14,and a locking projection stop 234 is provided on the first elongatedmember 72 of the movable handle 16. The first end wall 226 c can engagewith the stops 232, 234 to prevent the further rotation of the lockwheel 216 relative to the handles 14, 16.

When the handles 14, 16 are in the locked position or in the closedposition, the grips 34, 80 of the handles 14, 16 are parallel to eachother or are generally parallel to each other because the elongatedmembers 72, 74 have a dogleg shape. Since the grips 34, 80 of thehandles 14, 16 are parallel to each other or are generally parallel toeach other, this reduces the distance across the grips 34, 80 to makethe tool 10 easier to grasp, even by a user with small hands.

In an embodiment, the grips 34, 80 of the handles 14, 16 have twodifferent lengths, see FIG. 31. The grip 34 has a length L1; the grip 80has a length L2. In an embodiment, the lengths of the grips 34, 80 aredefined by the ratio L2:L1 of about 1.10:1 to about 1.25:1, and moreparticularly 1.17:1. In an embodiment, the grip 34 of the stationaryhandle 14 has a length L1 of 4.546 inches from a front end 34 a to arear end 34 a of the grip 34 which falls along the centerline 236 of thegrip 34, and the grip 80 of the movable handle 16 has a length L2 of5.310 inches from a front end 80 a to a rear end 80 a of the grip 80which falls along the centerline of the grip 80. In use, the palm of theuser engages the grip 34 of the stationary handle 14 and the fingers ofthe user engage the grip 80 of the movable handle 16. The pointer fingeris forward of the palm on the tool 10 such that the pointer finger andthe middle finger of the user on the movable handle 16 “lead” the palmof the user on the stationary handle 14. Since the grip 80 is longerthan the grip 34, the tool 10 is easier to hold and operate.

Attention is invited to the dual-handed, hand-held tool 1010 shown inFIGS. 33-73. The tool 1010 of some embodiments is designed to cut PVCconduit and pipe up to 2-½ conduit size (1.62 in/32 mm OD),polyethylene, polybutylene. However, it will be appreciated that thecutting tool 10 of various embodiments may additionally or alternativelybe used to cut other diameters of workpieces 12 and workpieces 12 madeof alternative materials. The tool 1010 is designed to be held in bothhands of the user for two-handed operation.

In an embodiment, the tool 1010 includes a stationary handle 1014pivotally attached to a movable handle 1016, a release assembly 1018, ablade 1020 pivotally attached to the stationary handle 1014, and a bladereceiving assembly 1022.

The stationary handle 1014 includes first and second jaws 1024, 1026, ananvil 1028 mounted between the jaws 1024, 1026, a first elongated member1030 mounted between the first jaw 1024 and the anvil 1028, a secondelongated member 1032 mounted between the second jaw 1026 and the anvil1028, and a grip 1034 attached to the first and second elongated members1030, 1032. The jaws 1024, 1026, the anvil 1028 and the elongatedmembers 1030, 1032 are fixedly attached to each other.

As shown in FIG. 36, the first jaw 1024 is formed of a plate 1036 havingplanar side surfaces which are defined by a front edge, a rear edge, atop edge 1036 a and a bottom edge. A cutout 1038 is provided in theplate 1036 and extends downwardly from the top edge 1036 a. In anembodiment, the first jaw 1024 is generally square with an elongated legextending from a rear end thereof. The second jaw 1026 is formed of aplate 1040 having planar side surfaces which are defined by a frontedge, a rear edge, a top and a bottom edge. A cutout 1042 is provided inthe top edge 1040 a. In an embodiment, the second jaw 1026 is generallysquare with an elongated leg extending from a rear end thereof. Thefirst and second jaws 1024, 1026 may be identically formed.

As shown in FIGS. 37-39, the anvil 1028 is formed of a generallyT-shaped member having a base 1044, an upper leg 1046 extending upwardlyfrom the base 1044, and a lower leg 1048 extending downwardly from thebase 1044.

The base 1044 has side surfaces and upper, lower, front and rearsurfaces extending between the side surfaces. In an embodiment, a recess1050 extends downwardly from the entire upper surface 1044 a of the base1044 along the midline of the base 1044. In an embodiment, the recess1050 is U-shaped. In an embodiment, a slot (not shown) is also providedsimilar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-7.

The upper leg 1046 has side surfaces and upper, front and rear surfacesextending between the side surfaces. The upper leg 1046 extends upwardlyfrom the front end of the base 1044 and is generally perpendicular tothe base 1044. In an embodiment, the upper leg 1046 is curved. The upperleg 1046 is bifurcated by a slot 1054 which extends from the uppersurface 1046 a downwardly. The recess 1050 and the bottom of the slot1054 are aligned with each other.

The upper surface 1044 a of the base 1044 and the rear surface 1046 b ofthe upper leg 1046 are generally perpendicular to each other and meet ata corner 1056. The upper surface 1044 a of the base 1044, the rearsurface 1046 b of the upper leg 1046, and the corner 1056 define areceiving space 1058 into which workpiece 12 is seated so that theworkpiece 12 can be cut and a square cut is obtained. In an embodiment,the corner 1056 is radiused. In an embodiment, the corner 1056 isradiused at a radius of 0.125 inches.

The lower leg 1048 has side surfaces and upper, front and rear surfacesextending between the side surfaces. The lower leg 1048 extendsdownwardly from the front end of the base 1044 and is generallyperpendicular to the base 1044. In an embodiment, the lower leg 1048 iscurved.

As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the first elongated member 1030 has anelongated front portion 1060, an elongated rear portion 1062 and anintermediate portion 1064. The front portion 1060 has inner and outerplanar surfaces and front, top and bottom surfaces extendingtherebetween. The front surface 1060 a of the front portion 1060 forms afront end 1030 a of the first elongated member 1030. The rear portion1062 has inner and outer planar surfaces and rear, top and bottomsurfaces 1062 a, 1062 b extending therebetween. The rear surface 1062 aof the rear portion 1062 forms a rear end 1030 b of the first elongatedmember 1030. The rear portion 1062 extends from the rear end of thefront portion 1060. The front and rear portions 1060, 1062 are angledrelative to each other. The intermediate portion 1064 has planar innerand outer surfaces and front, rear and top surfaces extendingtherebetween. The intermediate portion 1064 extends upwardly from therear end of the front portion 1060. The intermediate portion 1064extends at an angle relative to the front portion 1060 and relative tothe rear portion 1062.

The second elongated member 1032 has an elongated front portion 1066, anelongated rear portion 1068 and an intermediate portion 1070. The frontportion 1066 has inner and outer planar surfaces and front, top andbottom surfaces extending therebetween. The front surface 1066 a of thefront portion 1066 forms a front end 1032 a of the second elongatedmember 1032. The rear portion 1068 has inner and outer planar surfacesand rear, top and bottom surfaces 1068 a, 1068 b extending therebetween.The rear surface 1068 a of the rear portion 1068 forms a rear end 1032 bof the second elongated member 1032. The rear portion 1068 extends fromthe rear end of the front portion 1066. The front and rear portions1066, 1068 are angled relative to each other. The intermediate portion1070 has planar inner and outer surfaces and front, rear and topsurfaces extending therebetween. The intermediate portion 1070 extendsupwardly from the rear end of the front portion 1066. The intermediateportion 1070 extends at an angle relative to the front portion 1066 andrelative to the rear portion 1068.

As shown in FIG. 34, the anvil 1028 seats between the jaws 1024, 1026such that the cutouts 1038, 1042 in the jaws 1024, 1026 align with thereceiving space 1058 formed by the anvil 1028. The jaws 1024, 1026extend rearwardly of the anvil 1028. The jaws 1024, 1026 do not overlapthe receiving space 1058 such the workpiece 12 can be seated in thecutouts 1038, 1042 in the jaws 1024, 1026 and the receiving space 1058formed by the anvil 1028. In an embodiment, the recesses in the jaws1024, 1026 mirror the shape of the receiving space 1058. The jaws 1024,1026 are fixedly attached to the anvil 1028 by suitable means, such asfasteners.

The front end 1032 a of the first elongated member 1032 is fixedlyattached to the jaw 1024 proximate to the lower end thereof, and a rearsection of the front portion 1066 extends rearwardly of the rear end ofthe base 1044 of the anvil 1028. The first jaw 1024 and the firstelongated member 1030 are fixedly attached to each other by suitablemeans, such as fasteners. The intermediate portion 1064 of the firstelongated member 1030 extends upwardly in the same direction as theupper leg 1046 of the anvil 1028. The intermediate portion 1064 isspaced from the rear end 1044 c of the base 1044. The front end 1032 aof the second elongated member 1032 is fixedly attached to the jaw 1026,and a rear section of the front portion 1066 extends rearwardly of therear end of the base 1044 of the anvil 1028. The second jaw 1026 and thesecond elongated member 1032 are fixedly attached to each other bysuitable means, such as fasteners. The intermediate portion 1070 of thesecond elongated member 1032 extends upwardly in the same direction asthe upper leg 1046 of the anvil 1028. The intermediate portion 1070 isspaced from the rear end 1044 c of the base 1044. The front portions1060, 1066 of the elongated members 1030, 1032 are fixedly attached tothe anvil 1028 by suitable means, such as fasteners. The front portions1060, 1066 align with each other; the rear portions 1062, 1068 alignwith each other; and the intermediate portions 1064, 1070 align witheach other. In an embodiment, the elongated members 1030, 1032 areintegrally formed with the anvil 1028. In an embodiment, the elongatedmembers 1030, 1032, the anvil 1028 and the jaws 1024, 1026 areintegrally formed. The grip 1034 is attached to the rear portions 1062,1068 to provide a grasping region for a user to grasp during operationof the tool 1010. While separate first and second elongated members1030, 1032 are shown and described herein, it is to be understood thatthe rear portions 1062, 1068 of the first and second elongated members1030, 1032 can be integrally formed with each other to form a singleelongated member, with the front and intermediate portions 1060, 1066,1064, 1070 separated from each other by a slot.

The movable handle 1016 includes a first elongated member 1072, a secondelongated member 1074, a holding pawl assembly 1076 mounted on themovable handle 1016, a driving pawl assembly 1078 mounted on the movablehandle 1016, and a grip 1080. Directions of rotation of the movablehandle 1016 are described herein for ease in description with respect tothe tool 1010 having its receiving space 1058 to the left as shown inFIGS. 33-35, 54, 56, 57, 61, 62 and 65.

As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the first elongated member 1072 has anelongated front portion 1082 and an elongated rear portion 1084. Thefront portion 1082 has inner and outer planar surfaces and front, topand bottom surfaces extending therebetween. The front surface 1082 a ofthe front portion 1082 forms a front end 1072 a of the first elongatedmember 1072. The rear portion 1084 has inner and outer planar surfacesand rear, top and bottom surfaces extending therebetween. The rearsurface 1084 a of the rear portion 1084 forms a rear end 1072 b of thefirst elongated member 1072. The rear portion 1084 extends from the rearend of the front portion 1082. In an embodiment, the front and rearportions 1082, 1084 are linearly aligned with to each other.

The second elongated member 1074 has an elongated front portion 1086 andan elongated rear portion 1088. The front portion 1086 has inner andouter planar surfaces and front, top and bottom surfaces extendingtherebetween. The front surface 86 a of the front portion 1086 forms afront end 1074 a of the second elongated member 1074. The rear portion1088 has inner and outer planar surfaces and rear, top and bottomsurfaces extending therebetween. The rear surface 1088 a of the rearportion 1088 forms a rear end 1074 b of the second elongated member1074. The rear portion 1088 extends from the rear end of the frontportion 1086. In an embodiment, the front and rear portions 1086, 1088are linearly aligned with to each other.

The front end 1072 a of the first elongated member 1072 is pivotallyattached to the inner surface of the first jaw 1024 at a bottom endthereof, and a rear section of the front portion 1082 and the rearportion 1084 extends rearwardly of the first jaw 1024. The front end1074 a of the second elongated member 1074 is pivotally attached to theinner surface of the second jaw 1026, and a rear section of the frontportion 1086 and the rear portion 1088 extends rearwardly of the secondjaw 1026. A pivot pin 1090 extends through the first jaw 1024, the firstelongated member 1072, the second elongated member 1074 and the secondjaw 1026 to pivotally attach the first and second elongated members1072, 1074 to the jaws 1024, 1026. The front portions 1082, 1086 alignwith each other; and the rear portions 1084, 1088 align with each other.The grip 1080 is attached to the rear portions 1084, 1088 to provide agrasping region for a user to grasp during operation of the tool 1010.While separate first and second elongated members 1072, 1074 are shownand described herein, it is to be understood that the rear portions1084, 1088 of the first and second elongated members 1072, 1074 can beintegrally formed with each other to form a single elongated member,with the front portions 1082, 1086 separated from each other by a slot.

The holding pawl assembly 1076 has a holding pawl 1092 pivotally mountedbetween the first and second elongated members 1072, 1074 of the movablehandle 1017 by the pivot pin 1090, and a holding pawl torsion spring1096.

As shown in FIGS. 44-46, the holding pawl 1092 has a body 1094 with atooth 1095 extending from an upper end of the body 1094. An aperture1098 is provided through the body 1094 proximate to the lower endthereof. A portion of the body 1094 is bifurcated by a slot 1100 whichextends from a lower end of the body 1094 upwardly. The slot 1100 isformed of a first side wall 1100 a which extends upwardly from the lowerend of the body 1094, a second side wall 1100 b which extends upwardlyfrom the lower end of the body 1094, and a top wall 1100 c connectingthe upper ends of the side walls 1100 a, 1100 b. Each wall 1100 a, 1100b, 1100 c extends from a front end of the body 1094 to a rear end of thebody 1094. In an embodiment, the top wall 1100 c is angled from thefront end to the rear end of the body 1094. The pivot pin 1090 extendsthrough the aperture 1098.

The holding pawl torsion spring 1096, see FIG. 36, seats within the slot1100 and has a coiled portion 1096 a wrapped around the pivot pin 1090and legs 1096 b, 1096 c extending outwardly therefrom. The upper leg1096 b extends outwardly from the coiled portion 1096 a and engages thetop wall 1100 c of the holding pawl 1092, and the lower leg 1096 cextends outwardly from the coiled portion 1096 a and engages with afiller piece of the grip 1080. The holding pawl torsion spring 1096normally biases the holding pawl 1092 in a counter-clockwise directionaround the pivot pin 1090.

The driving pawl assembly 1078 has a driving pawl 1102 mounted betweenthe first and second elongated members 1072, 1074 of the movable handle1016 and pivotally attached to the first and second elongated members1072, 1074 by a driving pawl pin 1104, and a driving pawl torsion spring1106. The driving pawl pin 1104 is attached to the first and secondelongated members 1072, 1074 proximate to, but spaced rearwardly of, thepivot pin 1090 such that the driving pawl 1102 is mounted rearwardly ofthe holding pawl 1092. The driving pawl 1102 is longer than the holdingpawl 1092.

As shown in FIGS. 47-49, the driving pawl 1102 has a body 1108 with ahook end 1110 extending from an upper end of the body 1108. An aperture1112 is provided through the body 1108 proximate to the lower end of thebody 1108. The driving pawl pin 1104 extends through the aperture 1112.A portion of the body 1108 is bifurcated by a slot 1114 which extendsfrom a lower end of the body 1108 upwardly. The slot 1114 is formed of afirst side wall 1114 a which extends upwardly from the lower end of thebody 1108, a second side wall 1114 b which extends upwardly from thelower end of the body 1108, and a top wall 1114 c connecting the upperends of the side walls 1114 a, 1114 b. Each wall 1114 a, 1114 b, 1114 cextends from a front end of the body 1108 to a rear end of the body1108. In an embodiment, the top wall 1114 c is angled from the front endto the rear end of the body 1108.

The driving pawl torsion spring 1106, see FIG. 36, seats within the slot1114 and has a coiled portion 1106 a wrapped around the driving pawl pin1104 and legs 1106 b, 1106 c extending outwardly therefrom. The upperleg 1106 b extends outwardly from the coiled portion 1106 a and engagesthe top wall 1114 c of the driving pawl 1102, and the lower leg 1106 cextends outwardly from the coiled portion 1106 a and engages with afiller piece of the grip 1080. The driving pawl torsion spring 1106normally biases the driving pawl 1102 in a counter-clockwise direction.

As shown in FIGS. 50 and 51, the blade 1020 has a body 1116 having acutting edge 1118 provided at a front edge thereof, and a leg 1120extending downwardly from the body 1116. The cutting edge 1118 iscentered on the front edge such that the body 1116 is substantiallysymmetrical on both sides of the cutting edge 1118. In an embodiment,the leg 1120 has an outer profile defined by a planar forward edge 1120a which extends downwardly from the body 1116, a rearward edge 1120 bwhich extends downwardly from the body 1116, and a lower edge 1120 cwhich extends between the forward edge 1120 a and the rearward edge 1120b. In an embodiment, the rearward edge 1120 b has an upper planarsection 1122 a which is parallel to the forward edge 1120 a, and a lowergenerally V-shaped notched section 1122 b which extends from the uppersection 1122 a to the lower edge 1120 c. The notched section 1122 b hasan upper wall 1124 a which joins with a lower wall 1124 b to form thegenerally V-shape. In an embodiment, the lower edge 1120 c has a frontsection 1126 a which is perpendicular to the forward edge 1120 a and arear section 1126 b which extends upwardly at an angle from the frontsection 1126 a to the rearward edge 1120 b.

The blade receiving assembly 1022 includes a blade receiving gear 1128into which the blade 1020 is inserted, a slide plate 1130, a spring1132, first and second plates 1134, 1136, and a spring retention plate1240. The blade 1020 can be released from the blade receiving gear 1128for replacement with a new blade. The blade receiving gear 1128 isfixedly attached between the first and second plates 1134, 1136. Theblade receiving gear 1128/first plate 1134/second plate 1136 arepivotally mounted between the elongated members 1030, 1032 of thestationary handle 1014 by a pivot pin 1138. The slide plate 1130, thespring retention plate 1240 and the spring 1132 are mounted on the bladereceiving gear 1128. In some embodiments, the spring 1132 is a coiledspring. In some embodiments, the spring 1132 is a leaf spring. In someembodiments, the spring 1132 is a rubber block.

The first plate 1134 has planar inner and outer surfaces, which aredefined by front, rear, top and bottom surfaces. A through hole 1137,see FIG. 36, is provided through the first plate 1134 proximate to thecorner between the upper edge and the front edge, and the pivot pin 1138extends therethrough. The second plate 1136 has planar inner and outersurfaces which are defined by front, rear, top and bottom surfaces. Athrough hole 1139 is provided through the second plate 1136 proximate tothe corner between the upper edge and the front edge, and the pivot pin1138 extends therethrough.

An embodiment of the blade receiving gear 1128 is shown in FIG. 53. Theblade receiving gear 1128 is formed of a body 1140 having planar innerand outer surfaces which are defined by a top surface 1142, a bottomsurface 1144 and a rear surface 1143 extending between the top andbottom surfaces 1142, 1144. An aperture 1145 is provided through thebody 1140 proximate to the midpoint of the top surface 1142 and thepivot pin 1138 extends therethrough. A notch 1146 extends downwardlyfrom the top surface 1142 rearwardly of the aperture 1145. The bottomsurface 1144 is curved and has a plurality of teeth 1148 a-1148 sthereon. More or fewer teeth than what is shown in the drawings may beprovided. A first tooth is denoted at 1148 a and is at the rearmost endof the teeth 1148 a-1148 s. A second tooth is denoted at 1148 b; theteeth 1148 c-1148 s continue to the last tooth 1148 s (in the embodimentas shown in the drawings) at the front of the teeth 1148 a-1148 s. Aleading surface of each tooth 1148 a-1148 s is denoted at 1150, atrailing surface of each tooth 1148 a-1148 s is denoted at 1152, and atop land of each tooth 11148 a-1148 s is denoted at 1154. In someembodiments, the leading surface 1150 of the first tooth 1128 a isformed by the rear surface 1143 of the body 1140. In some embodiments,the teeth 1148 a-1148 s have the same radius (as shown in FIG. 21A); insome embodiments, the teeth 1148 a-1148 s have a variable radius (asshown in FIG. 21B).

The notch 1146 is formed of a first wall 1242, a second wall 1244, athird wall 1246 and a fourth wall 1248. The first, second and thirdwalls 1242, 1244, 1246 mirror the shape of the forward edge 1120 a, andthe lower edge 1120 c of the leg 1120 of the blade 1020. The fourth wall1248 extends from the third wall 1246 to the rear surface 1143 of thebody 1140 and in some embodiments, is perpendicular to the first wall1244 and at an angle relative to the third wall 1246.

The spring retention plate 1240 is fixedly attached to the inner surfaceof the first plate 1134 proximate to, but spaced from, the fourth wall1248 of the blade receiving gear 1128 such that a space 1250, see FIG.55, is provided therebetween in which the slide plate 1130 is seated,and the spring retention plate 1240 is fixedly attached to the innersurface of the first plate 1134 proximate to, but spaced from, the firstwall 1242 of the blade receiving gear 1128 such that a space 1251 isprovided therebetween in which the leg 1120 of the blade 1020 is seated.The spring retention plate 1240 is fixedly attached to the first plate1134 by suitable means, such as rivets 1248. In an embodiment, thespring retention plate 1240 is formed of a plate 1252 having a cutout1254 extending rearwardly from the front end 1252 a of the plate 1252and upwardly from the bottom end 1252 b of the plate 1252.

The slide plate 1130 has a front portion 1168 and a rear portion 1170;the front portion 1168 having a height which is less than a height ofthe rear portion 1170 such that a shoulder 1172 is provided between theportions 1168, 1170. A front end 1168 a of the front portion 1168 has aprofile which mirrors or generally mirrors the profile of the notchedsection 1122 b of the blade 1020. As shown, the front end 1168 a of thefront portion 1168 has an upper wall 1174 which joins with a lower wall1176 at a tip 1178. A cutout 1256 is provided in the slide plate 1130and extends from a top surface 1168 a of the front portion 1168.

In use, the leg 1120 of the blade 1020 seats within the notch 1146 andabuts the walls 1242, 1244, 1246 and may abut against the front end ofthe spring retention plate 1240. The leg 1120 is also captured betweenthe first and second plates 1134, 1136. The front end 1168 a of theslide plate 1130 seats within the notched section 1122 b of the blade1020. The front portion 1168 of the slide plate 1130 seats within thespace 1250 and the rear portion 1170 extends rearwardly of the bladereceiving gear 1128 and the spring retention plate 1240. The slide plate1130 is movable relative to the blade receiving gear 1128 and the springretention plate 1240. The spring 1132 seats within, and is trappedbetween, the cutout 1254 of the spring retention plate 1240 and thecutout 1256 of the slide plate 1130. When the blade 1020 is seatedwithin the notch 1146 of the blade receiving gear 1128, the spring 1132is in its expanded or substantially expanded condition. As a result, theblade 1020 is securely held within the blade receiving gear 1128.

In a pre-cut position as shown in FIG. 56, where a cut of the workpiece12 has not yet been started, the cutting edge 1118 of the blade 1020 isbetween the intermediate portions 1064, 1070 of the elongated members1030, 1032 and a portion 1180 of the body 1116 of the blade 1020 isrearwardly of the intermediate portions 1064, 1070 of the elongatedmembers 1030, 1032. The blade 1020 can be removed from the bladereceiving gear 1128 without the use of tools. To remove the blade 1020,a user grasps the rear portion 1170 of the slide plate 1130 and theportion 1180 of the body 1116. The user pulls the slide plate 1130rearwardly such that the front portion 1168 moves within the space 1250and the front end 1168 a of the slide plate 1130 is removed from thenotched section 1122 b of the blade 1020. The spring 1132 compressesbetween the slide plate 1130 and the spring retention plate 1240. Whenan outward force is applied to the blade 1020 by the user, the blade1020 is then removed from the blade receiving gear 1128. Once the blade1020 is completely removed from the blade receiving gear 1128, the rearportion 1170 of the slide plate 1130 is released by the user and thespring 1132 resumes its expanded condition, which causes the slide plate1130 to move forwardly in the space 1250. As the slide plate 1130 movesforwardly, the shoulder 1172 engages the rear surface 1143 of the bladereceiving gear 1128 to prevent the further movement of the slide plate1130 relative to the blade receiving gear 1128.

In an embodiment, the blade 1020 can be inserted into the bladereceiving gear 1128 without tools and with one hand of the user. Theuser pushes the leg 1120 of the blade 1020 downwardly into the space1251. As the blade 1020 moves downwardly, the angled rear section 1126 bof the lower edge 1120 c of the blade 1020 engages with the upper angledwall 1174 of the slide plate 1130 which causes the slide plate 1130 tomove rearwardly and engage against the spring 1132. The spring 1132compresses and the slide plate 1130 moves further away from the blade1020. After the angled rear section 1126 b of the blade 1020 passes theslide plate 1130, the spring 1132 resumes its expanded condition, whichcauses the slide plate 1130 to move forwardly in the space 1250 untilthe front end 1168 a of the slide plate 1130 seat within the notchedsection 1122 b of the blade 1020. As the slide plate 1130 movesforwardly, the shoulder 1172 engages the rear surface 1143 of the bladereceiving gear 1128 to prevent the further movement of the slide plate1130 relative to the blade receiving gear 1128.

In an embodiment, the blade 1020 can be inserted into the bladereceiving gear 1128 without tools by a user grasping the rear portion1170 of the slide plate 1130 and pulling the slide plate 1130 rearwardlysuch that the front portion 1168 moves within the space 1250 and thefront end 1168 a of the slide plate 1130 is removed from the space 1251.The user also grasps the portion 1180 of the body 1116 of the blade 1020and pushes the leg 1120 of the blade 1020 downwardly into the space1251. Once the leg 1120 is fully inserted, the rear portion 1170 of theslide plate 1130 is released by the user and the spring 1132 resumes itsexpanded condition, which causes the slide plate 1130 to move forwardlyin the space 1250 until the front portion 1168 a seats within thenotched section 1122 b of the blade 1020. As the slide plate 1130 movesforwardly, the shoulder 1172 engages the rear surface 1143 of the bladereceiving gear 1128 to prevent the further movement of the slide plate1130 relative to the blade receiving gear 1128.

The blade receiving gear 1128 seats between the first and second plates1134, 1136 and are affixed together by suitable means, such asfasteners. The first plate 1134 seats between the first jaw 1024 and theblade receiving gear 1128. The second plate 1136 seats between thesecond jaw 1026 and the blade receiving gear 1128. The pivot pin 1138extends through the first jaw 1024, the first elongated member 1030 ofthe stationary handle 1014, the first plate 1134, the blade receivinggear 1128, the second plate 1136, the second elongated member 1032 ofthe stationary handle 1014, and the second jaw 1026. The blade receivinggear 1128 and the first and second plates 134, 136 can pivot relative tothe first and second jaws 1024, 1026.

In the pre-cut position as shown in FIG. 56, where a cut of theworkpiece 12 has not yet been started, the cutting edge 1118 of theblade 1020 is between the intermediate portions 1064, 1070 of theelongated members 1030, 1032 such that the cutting edge 1118 is noteasily accessible by a user. In the pre-cut position, the tooth 1095 ofthe holding pawl 1092 engages the trailing surface 1152 of tooth 1148eand the hook end 1110 of the driving pawl 1102 engages with the trailingsurface 1152 of tooth 1148 a and the leading surface 1150 of tooth 1148b. The workpiece 12 is inserted into the receiving space 1058.

To operate the tool 1010, the user grasps the tool 1010 in both hands.One hand of the user engages the grip 1034 of the stationary handle 1014and the other hand of the user engages the grip 1080 of the movablehandle 1016. The movable handle 1016 is pivoted around pivot pin 1090 tomove the rear portions 1084, 1088 of the movable handle 1016 toward therear portions 1062, 1068 of the stationary handle 1014. This causes themovement of the holding pawl 1092 and the driving pawl 1102 which aremounted on the movable handle 1016 toward the blade receiving gear 1128to move the blade receiving gear 1128 in a ratcheting manner from anopen position wherein the rear portions 1084, 1088 of the movable handle1016 are spaced from the rear portions 1062, 1068 of the stationaryhandle 1014 to a closed position wherein the rear portions 1084, 1088 ofthe movable handle 1016 are proximate to the rear portions 1062, 1068 ofthe stationary handle 1014. The driving pawl 1102 is biased in thecounter-clockwise direction under the force of its torsion spring 1106and pushes against the trailing surface 1152 of the tooth 1148 a as themovable handle 1016 moves toward the stationary handle 1014. In anembodiment, the movable handle 1016 and the stationary handle 1014 areparallel to each other, or are generally parallel to each other, whenthe rear portions 1084, 1088 of the movable handle 1016 and the rearportions 1062, 1068 of the stationary handle 1014 are at their closestpoint. This causes the blade receiving gear 1128 to rotate in thecounter-clockwise direction, thereby rotating the blade 1020 in thecounter-clockwise direction and into the receiving space 1058.

When the blade receiving gear 1128 rotates, the holding pawl 1092 movesalong the leading surface 1150 of tooth 1148 e. The biasing force fromthe torsion spring 1096 biasing the holding pawl 1092 in thecounter-clockwise direction is overcome and the holding pawl 1092 pivotsin the clockwise direction to pass over the top land 1154 of tooth 1148eand thereafter engage the leading surface 1150 of tooth 1148f as theblade receiving gear 1128 rotates in the counter-clockwise direction.The pressure on the movable handle 1016 is thereafter released, and theholding pawl 1092 rotates in the counter-clockwise direction under theforce of its torsion spring 1096. When the pressure on the movablehandle 1016 is released, the driving pawl 1102 rides along the leadingsurface 1150 of tooth 1148 b and the biasing force from the torsionspring 1106 biasing the driving pawl 1102 in the counter-clockwisedirection is overcome and the driving pawl 1102 pivots in the clockwisedirection to pass over the top land 1154 of tooth 1148 b and thereafterengage the trailing surface 1152 of tooth 1148 b. This ratcheting actionis repeated until the workpiece 12 is completely cut. FIG. 57 shows thetool 1010 in an intermediate cutting position where the blade 1020 isalmost completely rotated; the holding pawl 1092 is engaged with thetrailing surface 1150 of the penultimate tooth 1148 r and the drivingpawl 1102 is engaged between teeth 1148 o and 1148 p, and the cuttingedge 1118 of the blade 1020 is almost parallel to the upper surface 1044a of the base 1044 of the anvil 1028. In its post-cut position, theholding pawl 1092 is engaged with the trailing surface 1150 of the lasttooth 1148 s and the driving pawl 1102 is engaged between teeth 1148 pand 1148 q, the cutting edge 1118 of the blade 1020 is parallel to theupper surface 1044 a of the base 1044 of the anvil 1028, and the blade1020 seats within the slot 1054 within the upper leg 1046 and in therecess 1050 in the base 1044 of the anvil 1028. The engagement of theblade 1020 with the wall forming the recess 1050 prevents the furthermovement of the blade 1020 in the counter-clockwise direction.

When the teeth 148 a-148 p of the blade receiving gear 128 of FIG. 21Aare provided as part of the blade receiving gear 1128 of the tool 1010,this results a mechanical advantage during the cut of the workpiece 12for the same reasons as discussed hereinabove. By varying the radius 159a-159 p of the teeth 148 a-148 p, the effective gear ratio between theteeth 148 a-148 p and the driving pawl 1102 is varied, which varies themechanical advantage between the teeth 148 a-148 p and the driving pawl102. Since the teeth 148 a-148 i have a larger radius 159 a-159 i at thebeginning of the cut which are engaged by the driving pawl 102, thetorque generated is greater. This is desirable as the greatest amount ofworkpiece material is being cut at the beginning of the cut. Once theinitial cut through the wall of the workpiece 12 is completed, lesstorque is required so the radius 159 j-159 p decreases as the teeth 148j-149 p progress forwardly toward the front of the blade receiving gear1128 and as the driving pawl 102 engages with the teeth 148 j-149 p.This enables the tool 10 to cut the workpiece 12 faster than the cutbeing made through the initial cut through the wall of the workpiece 12.

The blade 1020 can be released from its post-cut position by the releaseassembly 1018. The release assembly 1018 includes a release lever 1260,a release handle 1262, a release handle torsion spring 1264, aconnecting rod 1266, and one or more extension springs 1268.

The release lever 1260, see FIGS. 58 and 59, has an elongated body 1270having an upper end 1270 a and a lower end 1270, and having an aperture1272 through the lower end 1270 b of the body 1270. The pivot pin 1090extends through the aperture 1272 such that the release lever 1260 isrotatably attached to the movable handle 1016. The release lever 1260 isprovided between the elongated member 1072 and the blade receiving gear1128. The release lever 1260 is engaged with the holding pawl 1092, butis rotatable relative to the holding pawl 1092. In an embodiment, theholding pawl 1092 has a protrusion 1274, see FIGS. 44-46, which extendsoutwardly from the tooth 1095 and is configured to engage with the upperend 1270 a of the body 1270. In an embodiment, the protrusion 1274 isprovided on the upper end 1270 a of the body 1270 and engages the tooth1095 of the holding pawl 1092. In an embodiment, the holding pawl 1092seats within a slot 1276 in the body 1270 of the release lever 1260.

The release handle 1262 is rotatably mounted on the movable handle 1016proximate to the grip 1080. In an embodiment, the release handle 1262 ismounted between the elongated members 1070, 1072 by a pivot pin 1278which extends through the release handle 1262 and the elongated members1070, 1072. The release handle 1262 has a body 1280 having an upper end1280 a and a lower end 1280; an aperture 1272 is provided through thelower end 1270 b of the body 1270 through which the pivot pin 1278extends. In an embodiment, the upper end 1280 a is curved. The upper end1280 a forms a tab. A portion of the body 1280 is bifurcated by a slot1282 which extends from the lower end 1280 b of the body 1280 upwardly.The slot 1282 is formed of a first side wall 1282 a which extendsupwardly from the lower end of the body 1280, a second side wall 1282 bwhich extends upwardly from the lower end of the body 1280, and a topwall 1282 c connecting the upper ends of the side walls 1282 a, 1282 b.Each wall 1282 a, 1282 b, 1282 c extends from a front end of the body1280 to a rear end of the body 1280. In an embodiment, the top wall 1282c is angled from the front end to the rear end of the body 1280.

The release handle torsion spring 1264 seats within the slot 1284 andhas a coiled portion 1264 a wrapped around the pivot pin 1278 and legs1264 b, 1264 c extending outwardly therefrom. The upper leg 1264 bextends outwardly from the coiled portion 1264 a and engages the topwall 1282 c of the release handle 1262, and the lower leg 1264 c extendsoutwardly from the coiled portion 1264 a and engages with the grip 1080.

The connecting rod 1266 is an elongated member and has a first end 1266pivotally connected to the release lever 1260 at pivot pin 1282 and asecond end 1266 b pivotally connected the release handle 1262 at pivotpin 1284. In an embodiment, the connecting rod 1266 is pivotallyconnected to the first end 1270 a of the body 1270 of the release lever1260 and is pivotally connected to a middle portion 1280 c of therelease handle 1262.

The release handle torsion spring 1264 normally biases the releasehandle 1262 in a counter-clockwise direction around the pivot pin 1278,which also biases the connecting rod 1266 in a forward direction and therelease lever 1260 into a counter-clockwise direction around the pivotpin 1090.

In an embodiment, the first and second plates 1134, 1136 are identicallyformed. In an embodiment, the bottom surfaces 1134 a, 1136 a of thefirst and second plates 1134, 1136 are curved and an aperture 1286 isprovided between the respective bottom surface 1134 a, 1136 a and therear surface 1134 b, 1136 b of the first and second plates 1134, 1136.

In an embodiment, two extension springs 1268 are provided. The firstextension spring 1268 has a first end connected to the lower surface1044 d of the base 1044 at aperture 1287 a and a second end connected tothe aperture 1286 the first plate 1134; the second extension spring 1268has a first end connected to the lower surface 1044 d of the base 1044at aperture 1287 b and a second end connected to the aperture 1286 thesecond plate 1136. The extension springs 1268 engage against the bottomsurfaces 1134 a, 1136 a of the first and second plates 1134, 1136.

During operation of the tool 1010 as the blade receiving gear 1128 ismoved in the ratcheting manner, when the blade receiving gear 1128rotates in the counter-clockwise direction, the fixedly attached firstand second plates 1134, 1136 also rotate in the counter-clockwisedirection. This causes the one or more extension springs 1268 to expand.The release lever 1260 does not rotate since the torsion spring 1264causes the release lever 1260 to be biased in a counter-clockwisedirection around the pivot pin 1090. During rotation of the holding pawl1092, the protrusion 1274 on the holding pawl 1092 separates from theengagement with the release lever 1260.

To operate the release assembly 1018, a user engages the upper end 1280a which forms the tab and rotates the release handle 1262 in theclockwise direction, thereby moving the connecting rod 1266 rearwardlyand causing the release lever 1260 to rotate in the clockwise direction.Upon rotation in the clockwise direction, the release lever 1260 firstengages against protrusion 1274 on the holding pawl 1092 as shown inFIG. 61, and rotates the holding pawl 1092 in the clockwise directionagainst the force of its torsion spring 1096 such that the tooth 1095 ofthe holding pawl 1092 disengages from the blade receiving gear 1128.Upon continued rotation in the clockwise direction, as shown in FIG. 62,the release lever 1260 engages with the body 1108 of the driving pawl1102 and causes the driving pawl 1102 to rotate in the clockwisedirection against the force of its torsion spring 1106 such that thehook end 1110 of the driving pawl 1102 disengages from the bladereceiving gear 1128. In an embodiment, the release lever 1260 has anenlarged head 1288 at the first end 1270 a of the body 1279 whichengages with the driving pawl 1102.

When both the holding pawl 1092 and the driving pawl 1102 are releasedfrom engagement with the blade receiving gear 1128, the extensionsprings 1268 cause the blade 1020 and the blade receiving assembly 1022to rotate in the clockwise direction until the cutting edge 1118 isbetween the intermediate sections 1064, 1070 of the elongated members1030, 1032 of the stationary handle 1014. Thereafter, the release lever1260 released by the user and the release lever 1260 rotates in thecounter-clockwise direction under the force of its torsion spring 1264,thereby moving the connecting rod 1266 forwardly and causing the releaselever 1260 to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction; the holdingpawl 1092 and the driving pawl 1102 rotate in the counter-clockwisedirection under the force of their torsion springs 1096, 1106 toreengage with the blade receiving gear 1128. In addition, rotation ofthe holding pawl 1092 in the counter-clockwise direction causes rotationof the release lever 1260 in the counter-clockwise direction since theprotrusion 1274 of the holding pawl 1092 is in engagement with therelease lever 1260. Thereafter, a new cutting cycle can be effected.

Having both pawls 1092, 1102 mounted on the movable handle 1016 makesthe release more reliable and simpler, and with a consistent feel,because the stack-up of tolerances which is created when one pawl is onthe movable handle and the other pawl is on the stationary handle as isdone in the prior art is eliminated.

The release assembly 1018 can be used to release the blade 1020 after apartial cut of the workpiece 12 has been effected, if desired.

In some embodiments, a handle lock assembly 1208, see FIGS. 63-67, isprovided to lock the tool 1010 into a locked condition when in theclosed position such that the movable handle 1016 cannot move relativeto the stationary handle 1014 and the movable handle 1016 and thestationary handle 1014 are parallel to each other or are generallyparallel to each other. This makes the tool 10 more compact for stowage.The handle lock assembly 1208 works in conjunction with the driving pawl1102 to lock the tool 1010 into the locked condition. The handle lockassembly 1208 includes a surface 1212 provided on the front portion 1082of the first elongated member 1072 of the movable handle 1014, and alock wheel 1216 rotatably mounted between the jaws 1024, 1026 at a lowerend of the jaws 1024, 1026. In an embodiment, the surface 212 is angled.The lock wheel 1216 and the movable handle 1016 are configured to engagewith each other to prevent movement of the movable handle 1016 relativeto the stationary handle 1014.

The surface 1212 is provided on the front portion 1082 of the firstelongated member 1072 proximate to the front end 1072 a. The surface1212 faces the bottom surface of the first elongated member 1030 of thestationary handle 1014.

The lock wheel 1216 includes a body 1224 and a locking ear 1226extending from a side of the body 1224. In some embodiments, the body1224 is cylindrical. In some embodiments, the body 1224 has a knurledouter surface 1228. The locking ear 1226 has opposite side walls 1226 a,1226 b, a first end wall 1226 c extending between the side walls 1226 a,1226 b at one end thereof, and a second end wall 1226 d extendingbetween the side walls 1226 a, 1226 b at the other end thereof. Thefirst end wall 1226 c is curved. A hole 1230 extends through the lockwheel 1216 and the locking ear 1226 and a pivot pin 123 l extendsthrough the hole 1230 to rotatably connect the wheel 1216 to the firstand second jaws 1024, 1026. The first end wall 1226 c aligns with theouter diameter of the lock wheel 1216. In some embodiments, the firstend wall 1226 c extends outwardly from the outer diameter of the lockwheel 1216. The second end wall 1226 d is proximate to the hole 1230 andis spaced inwardly from the outer diameter of the lock wheel 1216.

In the locked position as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, the rear ends 1030b, 1032 b of the stationary handle 1014 and the rear ends 1072 b, 1074 bof the movable handle 1016 are proximate to each other. The hook end1110 of the driving pawl 1102 is engaged with the leading surface 1150of the first tooth lock 1148 a on the blade receiving gear 1128 and thetooth 1095 on the holding pawl 1092 is engaged with the leading surface1150 or the top land 1154 of tooth 1148 e. The first end wall 1226 c ofthe lock wheel 1216 is engaged with the surface 1212 of the frontportion 1082 of the elongated member 1072 of the movable handle 1016.Since lock wheel 1216 is engaged with the movable handle 1016 and thepawls 1092, 1102 bias the movable handle 1016 away from the stationaryhandle 1014, the handles 1014, 1016 are locked into position.

To move the tool 1010 from the locked position shown in FIGS. 65 and 66to the pre-cut position as shown in FIG. 56, the movable handle 1016 ispivoted around pivot pin 1090 to move the rear ends 1072 b, 1074 b ofthe movable handle 1016 toward the rear ends 1030 b, 1032 b of thestationary handle 1014. This causes the first end wall 1226 c toseparate from the surface 1212 of the movable handle 1016, therebyallowing a user to rotate the lock wheel 1216. The lock wheel 1216 isrotated to disengage the first end wall 1226 c from the surface 1212. Insome embodiments, the lock wheel 1216 is rotated in thecounter-clockwise direction. In some embodiments, the lock wheel 1216 isrotated in the clockwise direction. As the movable handle 1016 isreleased, the holding pawl 1092 moves over tooth 1148e which causes thehook end 1110 of the driving pawl 1102 to move over the first tooth 1148a and move to the pre-cut position as shown in FIG. 56. Thereafter, theworkpiece 12 is inserted into the receiving space 1058 and the cut isperformed.

To move the tool 1010 from the pre-cut position shown in FIG. 56 to thelocked position shown in shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, the lock wheel 1216is rotated in the opposite direction. As the lock wheel 1216 is rotated,the first end wall 1226 c engages with the surface 1212 of the movablehandle 1016. As the first end wall 1226 c moves upwardly along thesurface 1212, this causes the movable handle 1016 to pivot around thepivot pin 1090 and move the rear ends 1072 b, 1074 b of the movablehandle 1016 toward the rear ends 1030 b, 1032 b of the stationary handle1014. As the movable handle 1016 pivots, the pawls 1092, 1102 are biasedin the clockwise direction until the pawls 1092, 1102 move into thelocked position shown in FIGS. 65 and 66.

In some embodiments, a locking projection 1290, see FIG. 63, is providedon the ear 1226 proximate to the first end wall 1226 c of the lock wheel1216, and a recess 1292 is provided in the front edge of the first jaw1024 proximate to, but spaced from, where in the pivot pin 123 l extendsthrough the first jaw 1024. The locking projection 1290 can engage withthe recess 1292 to prevent the further rotation of the lock wheel 1216relative to the handles 1014, 1016. While the recess 1292 is shown onthe first jaw 1024, the recess 1292 could instead be provided on thesecond jaw 1026. While the locking projection 1290 is shown as providedon the ear 1226 of the lock wheel 1216, the ear 1226 could instead havethe recess 1292 and the jaw 1024 (or 1026) has the locking projection1290 extending therefrom.

In an embodiment, a spare blade 1020 may be stored in the stationaryhandle 1014 between the elongated members 1030, 1032 by a blade storageassembly 1300, see FIGS. 68-73. The blade storage assembly 1300 includesa support member 1302, a lock member 1304 pivotally attached to theelongated members 1030, 1032 by a pivot pin 1306, and a torsion spring1308. The blade 1020 has notch 1310 provided in its upper end. The blade1020 is stored in the stationary handle 1014 such that the blade 1020 isconcealed from view when viewing the tool 1010 from the sides of thetool 1010.

The support member 1302 is formed from an elongated bar 1312 having afirst leg 1314 extending downwardly therefrom proximate to a first end1312 a of the bar 1312, and a second leg 1316 extending downwardlytherefrom proximate to a second end 1312 b of the bar 1312. A bladereceiving space 1318 is defined by the bar 1312, the first leg 1314 andthe second leg 1318. The shape of the space 1318 mirrors the shape ofthe cutting edge 1118 and the body 1116 of the blade 1020 such that thecutting edge 1118 is proximate to, and may engage against, the lowersurface 1312 c of the bar 1312 that partially defines the space 1318.The first leg 1314 has an enlarged portion 1320 thereon which seatswithin the notch 1310 in the blade 1020. In an embodiment, the enlargedportion 1320 mirrors the shape of the notch 1310 in the blade 1020. Inan embodiment, the enlarged portion 1320 is at the lower end of the leg1314. The elongated bar 1312 is mounted between the rear portions 1062,1068 of the elongated members 1030, 1032 such that a top surface 1312 aof the elongated bar 1312 is flush with, or substantially flush with,the top surface 1062 a, 1068 a of the elongated members 1030, 1032. Thefirst and second legs 1314, 1316 extend downwardly between the innersurfaces of the rear portions 1062, 1068 of the elongated members 1030,1032, but do not extend below the bottom surfaces 1062 b, 1068 b of theelongated members 1030, 1032.

The lock member 1304 has a body 1322 with a leg 1324 extending from anend of the body 1322. An aperture 1325 is provided through the body 1322proximate to the lower end thereof through which the pivot pin 1306extends. The pivot pin 1306 is mounted to the rear portions 1062, 1068of the elongated members 1030, 1032. A portion of the body 1322 isbifurcated by a slot 1326 which extends from an upper end of the body1322 downwardly. The slot 1326 is formed of a first side wall 1326 awhich extends downwardly from the upper end of the body 1322, a secondside wall 1326 b which extends downwardly from the upper end of the body1322, and a bottom wall 1326 c connecting the lower ends of the sidewalls 1326 a, 1326 b. Each wall 1326 a, 1326 b, 1326 c extends from afront end of the body 1322 to a rear end of the body 1322.

In an embodiment, the leg 1324 has an upper portion 1324 a extendingdownwardly from the body 1322, an intermediate portion 1324 b extendingdownwardly from the upper portion 1324 a and at an angle relativethereto, and a lower portion 1324 c extending downwardly from theintermediate portion 1324 b and at an angle relative thereto. A notch1328 is formed by the upper portion 1324 a and the intermediate portion1324 b which generally mirrors the shape of the lower edge 1120 c of theblade 1020. The lower portion 1324 c forms a finger tab. When mountedbetween the rear portions 1062, 1068 of the elongated members 1030,1032, the lower portion 1324 c of the leg 1324 does not extendsoutwardly from the bottom surfaces 1062 b, 1068 b of the elongatedmembers 1030, 1032.

The torsion spring 1308 seats within the slot 1326 and has a coiledportion wrapped around the pivot pin 1306 and legs 1308 b, 1308 cextending outwardly therefrom. The upper leg 1308 b extends outwardlyfrom the coiled portion and engages the lower surface 1312 c of the bar1312, and the lower leg 1308 c extends outwardly from the coiled portionand engages with the bottom wall 1326 c of the slot 1326. The torsionspring 1308 normally biases the lock member 1304 in a clockwisedirection around the pivot pin 1306.

The blade 1020 can be inserted into and removed from the space 1318without the use of tools.

To insert the blade 1020 into the space 1318, the user grasps the body1116 with the cutting edge 1118 pointing upwardly. The body 1116 ispushed up into the space 1318, and the leg 1120 comes into contact withthe lower portion 1324 c of the leg 1324 of the lock member 1304. Thiscontact causes the lock member 1304 to rotate in a counter-clockwisedirection against the bias of its torsion spring 1308. The blade 1020 iscontinued to be pushed up toward the bar 1312 until the lower edge 1120c of the blade 1020 seats within the notch 1328. Once the lower edge1120 c of the blade 1020 is seated within the notch 1328, the lockmember 1304 rotates in a clockwise direction under the bias of itstorsion spring 1308 which then causes the blade 1020 to move forwardlyto engage the enlarged portion 1320 within the notch 1310 in the blade1020. This maintains the blade 1020 in the blade storage assembly 1300.The cutting edge 1118 of the blade 1020 is flush with, or recessed from,the bottom surface 1062 b, 1068 b of the elongated members 1030, 1032.As a result, the blade 1020 is hidden from view when the tool 1010 isviewed from the side. Since the blade 1020 is held by the blade storageassembly 1300 between the elongated members 1030, 1032 of the stationaryhandle 1014, the blade 1020 is not easily bumped by a user or by anothertool in a tool box such that the blade 1020 is easily dislodged from theblade storage assembly 1300. Since the lower portion 1324 c of the leg1324 of lock member 1304 does not extends outwardly from the bottomsurfaces 1062 b, 1068 b of the elongated members 1030, 1032, the lockmember 1304 is not easily bumped by a user or by another tool in a toolbox such that the blade 1020 is easily dislodged from the blade storageassembly 1300.

To remove the blade 1020 from the blade storage assembly 1300, the usergrasps the lower portion 1324 c of the lock member 1304 and pulls thelower portion 1324 c rearwardly toward the rear ends 1030 b, 1032 b ofthe elongated members 1030, 1032 of the stationary handle 1014. Thiscauses the lock member 1304 to rotate in a counter-clockwise directionagainst the bias of its torsion spring 1308. The user then pulls theblade 1020 away from the bar 1312 and rotates the blade 1020 in aclockwise direction to release the enlarged portion 1320 from the notch1310. Once the blade 1020 is removed from the blade storage assembly1300, the lock member 1304 is released rotates in a counter-clockwisedirection under the force of its torsion spring 1308.

FIGS. 74 and 75 show the tool 1010 in closed and open positions and thedriving pawl 1102 engagement angles with the teeth 1148 a-n of the bladereceiving gear 1128. In the closed position as shown in FIG. 74, thehook end 1110 of the driving pawl 1102 engages with one of the teeth,shown as tooth 1148c in FIG. 74. A first imaginary line 2000 is definedbetween the center of the driving pawl pin 1104 which forms the pivot ofthe driving pawl 1102 and the contact point of the hook end 1110 of thedriving pawl 1102 with the tooth 1148 c. A second imaginary line 2002extends along the centerline of the movable handle 1016. A first angleA1 is defined between the lines 2000 and 2002. A third imaginary line2004 is defined between the pivot pin 1138 and the contact point of thehook end 1110 of the driving pawl 1102 with the tooth 1148 c. A secondangle A2 is formed between the lines 2000 and 2004. First angle A1 whenthe handles 1014, 1016 are in the closed position is less than firstangle A1 when the handles 1014, 1016 are in the open position, andsecond angle A2 when the handles 1014, 1016 are in the closed positionis less than second angle A2 when the handles 1014, 1016 are in the openposition. In an embodiment, angle A1 is approximately 35 degrees whenthe handles 1014, 1016 are in the closed position and is approximately93 degrees when the handles 1014, 1016 are in the open position, andangle A2 is approximately 92 degrees when the handles 1014, 1016 are inthe closed position and is approximately 116 degrees when the handles1014, 1016 are in the open position. These angles A1 and A2 make thetool 1010 more efficient to use.

The blade 10, 1020 may be heat treated to provide for a long cuttinglife, and to prevent rusting of the blade 10, 1020. The tool 10, 1010may be made of carbon steel for strength and durability. A corrosionresistant finish may be applied to the tool 10, 1010.

While the grips 34, 80, 1034, 1080 are shown as separate components, thegrips 34, 80, 1034, 1080 may be integrally formed with the stationaryand movable handles 14, 16, 1014, 1016.

One or more features of embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-32 can becombined with one or more features of embodiments illustrated in FIGS.33-75. One or more features of embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 33-75can be combined with one or more features of embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1-32.

One or more features of embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-32 and/or inFIGS. 33-75 can be used with other tools, such as pliers configured tohold a workpiece 12, gripping tools configured to hold a workpiece 12,ratcheting tools configured to hold a workpiece 12, etc. In someembodiments, the blade 20, 1020 is replaced by a gripping jaw (notshown) such that the workpiece 12 can be gripped. Accordingly, thepresent disclosure is not limited solely for use with cutting tools.

While particular embodiments are illustrated in and described withrespect to the drawings, it is envisioned that those skilled in the artmay devise various modifications without departing from the spirit andscope of the appended claims. It will therefore be appreciated that thescope of the disclosure and the appended claims is not limited to thespecific embodiments illustrated in and discussed with respect to thedrawings and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to beincluded within the scope of the disclosure and appended drawings.Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain examplecombinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated thatdifferent combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided byalternative embodiments without departing from the scope of thedisclosure and the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cutting tool comprising: a stationary handlehaving a grip at an end thereof, wherein in use a user's hand is engagedwith the grip; a movable handle having a grip at an end thereof, themovable handle being pivotally attached to the stationary handle,wherein in use a user's hand is engaged with the grip of the movablehandle; a blade comprising a body having a cutting edge thereon and aleg extending from the body, the leg having an outer profile, and anotch formed in the outer profile; a blade receiving gear pivotallyattached to the stationary handle, the blade receiving gear comprising abody having a plurality of teeth on an edge thereof and a notchextending into the body from an opposite edge thereof; and the leg beingseated within the notch, a slide plate engaged with the body of theblade receiving gear, the slide plate being seated within the notch, theslide plate having a lock projection which is configured to seat withinthe notch on the blade; a spring engaged with the slide plate, thespring configured to bias the lock projection of the slide plate intoengagement with the notch in the leg; and wherein the blade is removablefrom the blade receiving gear.
 2. The cutting tool of claim 1, whereinthe spring is a coil spring.
 3. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein thespring is a leaf spring.
 4. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein thenotch is generally V-shaped.
 5. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein theleg has a centerline which extends from a top of the leg to a bottom ofthe leg, and a bottom edge of the leg is angled relative to thecenterline.
 6. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein the slide plate hasa tab portion which extends outwardly from the blade receiving gear. 7.The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein the body of the blade issubstantially symmetrical on each side of the cutting edge.
 8. Thecutting tool of claim 1, further comprising a handle lock attached tothe movable handle, wherein when the handle lock is engaged, the movablehandle cannot move relative to the stationary handle.
 9. The cuttingtool of claim 8, wherein the handle lock comprises a lock wheelrotationally attached to the movable handle, the lock wheel having aprojection thereon having first and second end surfaces, wherein thefirst end surface is generally aligned with an outer dimension of thelock wheel and the second end surface is spaced inwardly from the outerdimension, wherein the first end surface is configured to be engagedwith the movable handle and disengaged from the movable handle.
 10. Thecutting tool of claim 1, further comprising a holding pawl pivotallyattached to the movable handle and configured to be engaged with theteeth of the blade receiving gear, and a driving pawl pivotally attachedto the movable handle and configured to be engaged with the teeth of theblade receiving gear.
 11. The cutting tool of claim 10, furthercomprising a release lever pivotally attached to the movable handle andconfigured to be engaged with at least one of the holding pawl and thedriving pawl to disengage the holding pawl and the driving pawl fromengagement with the teeth of the blade receiving gear.
 12. The cuttingtool of claim 10, further comprising a release lever pivotally attachedto the movable handle and configured to be engaged with the holdingpawl, and the holding pawl is configured to be engaged with the drivingpawl to disengage the holding pawl and the driving pawl from engagementwith the teeth of the blade receiving gear.
 13. The cutting tool ofclaim 10, further comprising a release lever pivotally attached to themovable handle and configured to be engaged with the holding pawl andwith the driving pawl to disengage the holding pawl and the driving pawlfrom engagement with the teeth of the blade receiving gear.
 14. Thecutting tool of claim 10, further comprising a release lever pivotallyattached to the movable handle, a release handle pivotally attached tothe movable handle and connected to the release lever by a connectingrod, the release handle being proximate to the grip, the release leverbeing configured to be engaged with at least one of the holding pawl andthe driving pawl to disengage the holding pawl and the driving pawl fromengagement with the teeth of the blade receiving gear.
 15. The cuttingtool of claim 10, wherein the driving pawl is pivotally attached at apivot, a first imaginary line is defined between a center of the drivingpawl pivot and a contact point of the driving pawl with one of theteeth, a second imaginary line is defined along a centerline of themovable handle, a first angle is formed between the first and secondimaginary lines, wherein the movable handle is pivotally attached to thestationary handle at a pivot, a third imaginary line is defined betweenthe movable handle pivot and the contact point of the driving pawl withthe defined tooth, and a second angle is formed between the firstimaginary line and the third imaginary line, wherein the first anglewhen the handles are in the closed position is less than first anglewhen the handles are in the open position, and the second angle when thehandles are in the closed position is less than second angle when thehandles are in the open position.
 16. The cutting tool of claim 15,wherein the first angle is approximately 35 degrees when the handles arein the closed position and is the first angle is approximately 93degrees when the handles are in the open position, and the second angleis approximately 92 degrees when the handles are in the closed positionand is approximately 116 degrees when the handles are in the openposition.
 17. The cutting tool of claim 1, further comprising a firstplate having an elongated slot therein, the first plate being fixedlyattached to the stationary handle, a second plate having an elongatedslot therein, the second plate being fixedly attached to the bladereceiving gear, wherein the blade receiving gear is pivotally attachedto the stationary handle by a pivot pin, and further comprising atorsion spring having a coiled portion around the pivot pin, a first legextending from the coiled portion and a second leg extending from thecoiled portion, the first leg being seated within the slot on the firstplate and the second leg being seated within the slot on the secondplate.
 18. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein the first plate isintegrally formed with the stationary handle and the second plate isintegrally formed with the blade receiving gear.
 19. The cutting tool ofclaim 1, wherein each grip has a length, and one of the grips is longerthan the other grip.
 20. The cutting tool of claim 19, wherein thelengths of the grips are defined by the ratio 1.25:1.
 21. The cuttingtool of claim 19, wherein the grip of the movable handle is longer thanthe grip of the stationary handle.
 22. The cutting tool of claim 21,wherein the lengths of the grips are defined by the ratio 1.25:1. 23.The cutting tool of claim 1, further comprising a second blade attachedto one of the handles.
 24. The cutting tool of claim 23, wherein thesecond blade is mounted to a blade storage assembly comprising a bar anda rotatable lock.
 25. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein thestationary handle comprises first and second elongated members fixedlyattached to each other, the blade receiving gear being pivotallyattached between the first and second elongated members, each first andsecond elongated members having an elongated front portion, an elongatedrear portion and an intermediate portion extending upwardly from a rearend of the front portion, wherein the blade is configured to seatbetween the intermediate portions of the first and second elongatedmembers and the blade is configured to be rotated from in between thefirst and second elongated members.
 26. The cutting tool of claim 1,wherein each tooth of the blade receiving gear is defined by a radius,the radius of some of the teeth varying from the radius of other ones ofthe teeth.
 27. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein each tooth of theblade receiving gear is defined by a radius, each tooth being defined bythe same radius.